Acquisition of Biohazardous Materials

Biohazardous materials for rDNA or Biosafety Level 2 or 3 research activities may only be obtained under the authority of a Permitted Individual. There are similar requirements for the acquisition of hazardous materials (see the MU Hazardous Materials Management Manual) and radioactive materials (see the MU Radiation Safety Manual).

Note : Select agents require special registration and tracking under the DHHS - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High consequence livestock pathogen or toxins and plant pathogens require special registration and tracking under the USDA - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The USA PATRIOT Act restricts possession and access of personnel to Select Agents, High Consequence Livestock Pathogens and Toxins and Plant Pathogens. A list of these agents is presented in Appendix M.

Becoming a Permitted Individual

Principal Investigators and supervisors, who are responsible for laboratories, and other locations where biohazardous materials for rDNA or Biosafety Level 2 or higher research activities are used, must apply to be a Permitted Individual. Additionally, an application must be submitted to, and approved by, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (located under the Office of Research) prior to purchasing, using, or storing those biohazardous materials. Proper completion of both processes provides EHS with information about the Permitted Individual’s name, location of work areas, and types of biohazardous materials used or stored at each location.

Gifts/Donations

For each gift or donation of biohazardous materials, a Gift Advice Form (UMUW Form 9 or 9A) must be completed. A gift or donation may consist of multiple containers of biohazardous materials. Do not accept gifts of biohazardous materials unless you have a use and IBC authorization for them. The donor must provide sufficient information about the donated materials to assess hazards and determine the proper disposal method. Proprietary materials do not need to be specifically identified as long as hazards can be assessed and the donor provides sufficient information in regard to disposal of the used material once MU research is completed.

Biohazardous Material Exemptions

While IBC approval is not required for biological materials that are Biosafety Level 1 research activities that do not involve rDNA work with propagation of less than 10 liters in volume, they still must be managed under a Permitted Individual. Examples of such materials are:

Biosafety Level 1 research activities (except rDNA work) as defined in the “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories” (BMBL) (6th Edition)
Diagnostic and reference samples (Review for select agents and BSL-2 + activities).
Student in vitro training that involve only BSL-1 classified agents, handling, and containment.

Per the permit that will be issued, these biohazardous (biological) materials must be properly stored, handled, and disposed of as biohazardous Unwanted Materials through EHS.