USC’s Biosafety Program covers anyone employed by or volunteers at USC that handles potentially hazardous biological materials.
Biosafety Manual (BSM)
The Biosafety Manual is your comprehensive road map for working with biohazardous agents and materials, including BBP, and more. Additional topics include:
- Biosafety levels
- Best practices
- Waste management and disposal
IBC and BUA
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews projects in which biohazards are used ensuring that research is conducted safely and that risks are assessed and minimized. Projects that are reviewed and approved by the IBC are issued Biohazard Use Authorization (BUA) permits.
Visit the IBC web page to register biomedical research (including clinical trials) with the IBC and to find upcoming IBC meeting dates and protocol submission deadlines.
IRE and DURC
The Institutional Review Entity (IRE) is a NIH-designated committee established at USC to specifically review research protocols that may fall under the Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) category.
Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) is defined in the US Government policy statement as “life sciences research that…could be directly misapplied to pose a significant threat with broad potential consequences to public health and safety, agricultural crops and other plants, animals, the environment, materiel, or national security.”
Programs
Pathogen Safety Data Sheets (PSDS)
Pathogen Safety Data Sheets provide detailed information on pathogens e.g., characteristics, health hazards, and medical precautions/treatment. Click on the link below for available PSDSs.
Emergency Response
Know how to respond to emergencies and the steps to take for proper notification and reporting.
- Emergency Information: 1-2-3 Serious Injury Reporting Flyer
- Reporting: Lab Emergency/Non-Emergency Notification and Reporting
- Biohazard Spills: Biohazardous Spill Clean-Up Guide Sheet
Additional Resources
Here are additional resources that support biosafety.