It is the policy of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) that employees conduct research, clinical, and teaching activities involving biohazardous materials in a safe manner in order to protect the research community, visitors, and public community.
Purpose
The Institutional Biological Safety Program identifies biological safety practices, procedures, facility construction, and operational standards for the safe handling and use of biohazardous materials for research, clinical, and teaching activities at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS).
Scope
The Institutional Biological Safety Program applies to all academic faculty, staff, visiting scientists, students, public visitors, volunteers, and contract personnel located on the campus or any locations where ISMMS has management control of specific biohazardous materials.
Implementation
The Institutional Biological Safety Program implemented the Institutional Biological Safety Manual in coordination with the Institutional Biosafety Committee, Employee Health Services, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Laboratory Safety Committee.
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) monitors all laboratory activities involving:
- Recombinant DNA and synthetic DNA molecules as required by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, April 2019, (the NIH Guidelines).
- Biological agents classified as Risk Group 2, 3, and 4 in the NIH Guidelines
- Research involving Select Agents and Toxins that are subject to the Select Agent Regulations
For additional information on the IBC review and approval process, please refer to the IBC website: https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/ibc
Employee Health Services (EHS) Updates
Employee Health Services (EHS) requires employees to schedule appointments for completing occupational health compliance (i.e. influenza immunization, PPDs/QFTs/TB screening), Annual Health Assessments, return to work clearances, and work-related injuries and follow ups.