Biological Safety

Biological Safety at IU Bloomington

The Biological Safety Program at Indiana University ensures the safe use of recombinant DNA (rDNA), pathogenic microorganisms, and other infectious agents and toxins in research and teaching activities to eliminate or reduce the potential exposures to personnel or the environment. In addition to ensuring compliance with the federal regulations, the IU Biological Safety Program strives to adhere to the highest ethical standards in the protection of personnel and the environment from potential exposures to harmful biological materials.

The Biosafety Office at IUEHS is responsible for:

  • Employee training
  • Laboratory inspection
  • Initial protocal review
  • rDNA assessment
  • Select agent oversight
  • Research-related biohazard incident and emergency response
  • Biological hazard assessment
  • Biological materials shipping and receiving
  • Autoclave and biosafety cabinet certification
  • Regulation review

Training

Biological safety training is required for personnel associated with work in biological laboratories, either for research or teaching purposes.Students are not required to complete biological safety training but should receive topic specific training from the instructor.

Bloodborne pathogens training is required for all employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Specific training sessions are offered for employees who regularly work in biological laboratories, and for non-laboratory employees who have the potential to be exposed to blood or bodily fluids during their work activities. Please be sure to select the correct training for your situation.

Anyone who ships biological materials at IU Bloomington must complete online shipping training prior to initiating any shipments.