Policies

Biosafety Manual [PDF]

Note: This manual is a very large document. You may find it somewhat slow to load.
See: World Health Organization's Laboratory Biosafety Manual [PDF]

Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research

• Experiments Covered by the NIH Guidelines [PDF]
  Specific guidance on which experiments have to be reported to the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activity, the MSSM Institutional Biosafety Committee in accordance with NIH requirements.
• Exemptions and Host-Vector Systems Guide
  Certain specified recombinant DNA molecules that consist entirely of DNA segments from different species that exchange DNA by known physiological processes, though one or more of the segments may be a synthetic equivalent, are exempt from the NIH Guidelines.
• Exempt Experiments - Definition
  Certain recombinant DNA molecules are exempt from the NIH Guidelines, and registration with the Institutional Biosafety Committee is not required by the NIH.
• Rules for Filing Recombinant DNA Activities
• Entrez Gene: Gene-centered Information at NCBI
  Entrez Gene is NCBI's database for gene-specific information. It does not include all known or predicted genes; instead Entrez Gene focuses on the genomes that have been completely sequenced, that have an active research community to contribute gene-specific information, or that are scheduled for intense sequence analysis. The content of Entrez Gene represents the result of curation and automated integration of data from NCBI's Reference Sequence project (RefSeq), from collaborating model organism databases, and from many other databases available from NCBI. Records are assigned unique, stable and tracked integers as identifiers. The content (nomenclature, map location, gene products and their attributes, markers, phenotypes, and links to citations, sequences, variation details, maps, expression, homologs, protein domains, and external databases) is updated as new information becomes available. Entrez Gene is a step forward from NCBI's LocusLink, with both a major increase in taxonomic scope and improved access through the many tools associated with NCBI Entrez.

Entrez Gene Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=gene

CDC/USDA Select Agents Registration

Before you decide to work / order any of these materials, you will need to consult with the Biosafety Officer about the correct procedures for possession/use. You may have to file documents with the CDC, USDA or both agencies simultaneously to possess and work with these agents. You may have to submit to a background check by the FBI and submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice under "The Patriot Act," since these materials are highly restricted and regulated by these agencies.

Agent List

If the agent is present on the list and is not covered by an exclusion, you must file a registration document with the appropriate agency.

Additional Requirements for Facilities Transferring or Receiving Select Agents

• Select Agent Training
• Select Agent Slide Presentation*
• Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act, Veterinary Services (APHIS Program)

MSSM Select Agent Program Documents

• Select Agent Transfers
• Select Agent Transfers - FAQs
• Instructions for Registration of SAT Facility
• MSSM Select Agent Transfer Annual Report  
• MSSM Select Agent Final Disposition Report  
• MSSM Select Agent Access Report  

General Guide for Biological Spill Responses

Blood-Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan

Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation, and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets

Personal Protective Equipment Guide  

Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation, and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets  

Shipping and Importing Biological Materials  

See: World Health Organization's Guidelines for the Safe Transport of Infectious Substances and Diagnostic Specimens  

CDC's Export and Import Permit Program

This Web site provides information on how to obtain permits that allow you to either import or export infectious agents or biological materials requiring these permits. Failure to obtain the correct permits can result in delay, loss of, and (or), damage to specimens due to impoundment at United States Customs Facilities. If the agent is a Select Agent as defined by the CDC, you must file paper work and obtain permission from the CDC to possess and work with the select agent before applying for an import / export permit.

MSSM Training for Infectious Substances and Biological Substances Shipments *

Prior Approval Reporting for Toxic Chemicals

* PPT and PPS files are PowerPoint Presentations and require Microsoft PowerPoint. If you do not have PowerPoint, you may download the PowerPoint Viewer. Windows version | Mac version