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
Biosafety Manual
Download the BSM (PDF) >>

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.


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.


Additional Resources

Here are additional resources that support biosafety.

ServicesGuidelinesFact Sheets/FlyersSOPsPublicationsCommittees
Biosafety InspectionsTransporting Biological Materials BiosafetyInsect Handling & Disposal – DrosophilaBiosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Research Laboratories (BMBL)USC Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
ConsultationField Research Safety Plan Health AlertsSafe Autoclave OperationNIH Guidelines for Recombinant DNA ResearchInstitutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
“How to Use a BSC” videoSyringe Needle Disposal SafetyNIH PI BrochureInstitutional Review Board (IRB)
BSC CertificationPathogen Data Sheets (PDS) from Public Health Agency of CanadaResearch Safety Oversight Committee (RSOC)