The WMed Biosafety Office operates in the Office of Research Compliance. Our primary focus is to collaborate with WMed’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Principal Investigators, and all faculty, staff, and students to ensure that laboratory research is conducted in compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements. This includes overseeing the use of biological materials, proper handling of hazardous substances, implementing safety protocols, and educating laboratory Supervisors and Principal investigators on best practices for minimizing the risks associated with laboratory work.
The biosafety program supports research and laboratory projects by:
- Overseeing the orientation and training of all WMed laboratories on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
- Assisting with risk assessment and hazard identification for physical, chemical, and radiological hazards.
- Providing guidance during experiments, such as assisting with IBC approval for experiments using recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, risk group 2 biological agents, human samples, stem cells, and radioisotopes.
- Conducting lab inspections that includes ensuring proper lab setup, availability of PPE, proper signage, and all workers have received appropriate training.
- Reviewing incident reports, conducting investigations, and developing preventative measures.
- Ensuring compliance with national and international regulations with those set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This includes working with laboratories to provide training on safety data sheets (SDS), arranging chemical disposal, and adhering to WMed’s guidelines and policies.
The biosafety program is committed to fostering a culture of safety and ensuring that all research and laboratory activities are carried out responsibly. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the biosafety officer.