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University Biosafety Manual

Download the entire University Biosafety Manual as a PDF.

The University Biosafety Manual incorporates information applicable to both BSL-1 and BSL-2 labs, and is a reference-only document, containing no fillable content areas.

All lab-specific information is located in a separate document, the Lab-Specific Biosafety Manual (LSBM) template, which contains fillable content areas.  The template for the LSBM can be downloaded from the "IBC Offline Documents" section of the IBC Protocol Submission page.

 

What the new University Biosafety Manual (UBM) does for you:

  • Supplies current, relevant biosafety information, policies and practices for using biohazardous materials in the laboratory; content will be updated on a continuing basis by the EHS Biosafety Office.
  • Documents the practices to use that minimize or eliminate exposure risks.
  • Serves as an on-line reference for bio research lab personnel at Virginia Tech; no need to print a paper copy unless you choose to do so.
  • Provides essential material for training new personnel before they perform work in the lab.
  • Provides links to all necessary forms and templates that are referenced within this document.
  • Facilitates compliance of research using biohazardous materials with the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition and NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, as well as with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030 for those laboratories utilizing human cell lines, human blood/ tissue specimens or other potentially infectious materials.

 

Completing The Lab-Specific Biosafety Manual (LSBM) Template:

Principal Investigators or their designees must complete the LSBM.

  • Read the online this document (UBM) to expedite LSBM completion.
  • Electronically access the Lab-Specific Biosafety Manual template and provide information that is specific to your lab using fillable text areas and checkboxes.
  • Upload the completed LSBM document in IBC Protocol Management; this is a required component of your protocol submission. Once it has been reviewed and approved, print a copy of your LSBM to keep in your lab.
  • Update the LSBM when anything changes such as personnel, agents, procedures, equipment, work locations, etc.  Document all updates on the Manual Review/Revision Status page, and print the necessary updated pages to include in your printed LSBSM.
  • The LSBM must be reviewed annually by the PI or designee. Document your annual reviews on the Manual Review/Revision Status section.