Research Safety/Biosafety References and Documents

Safety of Personnel in Research, draft Handbook 1200.8. To download a Microsoft Word copy of this draft handbook, click here. This handbook has completed the internal concurrence process at VA Central Office and is awaiting publication. Please note that additional revisions may be made prior to issuance.

CDC select infectious agents requiring special licensing (42 CFR Part 72/RIN 0905-AE70). Infectious agents and toxins on this list may not be transported or used without licensing from the CDC.

Biosafety in the Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 4th edition. This publication is a primary source of information for working safely with infectious agents at the benchtop and in the animal facility.

NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules and Gene Therapy. This publication is a primary source for guidelines on the use of recombinant organisms in the laboratory and in the animal facility, as well as projects involving human gene therapy.

Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets (2nd edition). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health, September 2000.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR Standard 1910.1450). This standard covers the safe use of chemicals in a laboratory setting. Also available are letters and guidance to help interpret the regulations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Hazard Communication: Toxic and Hazardous Substances (29 CFR Standard 1910.1200). This regulation mandates the use of MSDS as part of a hazard communication program. Also available are letters and guidance to help interpret the regulations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Bloodborne Pathogen Guidelines. This regulation governs the safe handling of blood and other body fluids. Also available are letters and guidance to help interpret the regulations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Directive CPL 2-2.69 (Enforcement Procedures for the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens) which clarifies (1) evaluation and implementation of safer needle devices as part of the re-evaluation of appropriate engineering controls during an employer's annual exposure control plan; (2) documentation of the involvement of non-managerial,frontline employees in choosing safer devices; and (3) establishment and maintenance of a sharps injury log for recording injuries from contaminated sharps. Announced in a November 21, 2001 trade letter.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Occupational Noise Exposure: Occupational Health and Environmental Control (29CFR 1910.95). Also available are letters and guidance to help interpret the regulations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Respiratory Protection: Personal Protective Equipment (29CFR 1910.124). Also available are an OSHA training document that covers major compliance issues raised by these regulations and a Respiratory Fit Advisor. The Advisor helps comply with the OSHA respirator standard and provides instruction on the proper selection of respiratory protection and the development of change schedules for gas/vapor cartridges.