IBC Authorization to Use Biohazardous Material
Instructions for Obtaining Authorization to Use Biohazardous Material
The use of biohazardous material, as defined by University Policy SY-24, at all University locations, other than the Hershey Medical Center, requires approval of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). University faculty and staff members must submit a description of their research on the Application for the Use of Biohazardous Materials. The form, in Rich Text Format (RTF), should be downloaded from the Office for Research Protections (ORP) web site for completion on your computer. Please contact the Office of Research Protections staff for assistance. Once the application is complete, it should be submitted electronically to the Office of Research Protections via the Principal Investigator's Access Account. Please e-mail the file, in an attachment in rich text format (RTF), to ORProtections@psu.edu. If the application cannot be transmitted electronically then mail it to:
The Office of Research Protections
212 Kern Building
University Park, PA 16802
ORP will review the request and distribute copies to the Institutional Biosafety Committee members as needed. Once an application is received by an IBC reviewer, one of several things may happen:
- The reviewer can approve it on their own
- They may ask for a second IBC member to review it
- Or they may refer it to the entire IBC for review
This process may take as little as 10 days, or may need to wait for the next monthly scheduled IBC meeting.
There are several specialized applications also available at the ORP Web page:
As stated in University Policy SY-24, biohazards used in conjunction with animals require an Animal Biohazard Protocol, which provides anyone who must handle the research animals with specific information about:
- Routes of exposure to the biohazard
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn when entering the animal rooms
- Waste disposal requirements, and other specialized information
Research involving human blood and blood products, human body fluids, and/or human tissue requires that the principal investigator and other laboratory personnel be trained regarding Bloodborne Pathogens. This training is available by contacting Environmental Health and Safety at (814) 865-6391.
It is the principal investigator's responsibility to ensure that all individuals using human blood, body fluids, or human tissues, are properly trained and aware of the hazards. See Penn State Policy SY-24 Use of Biohazardous Materials in Research and Teaching.
Last Updated: 10/1/2007
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