About the Biosafety Program

Learn about UCSD's institutional biosafety program, the materials it identifies as biohazards, and the authorization required to conduct research with these materials.

UC San Diego's Biosafety Program specifies responsibilities, practices, procedures, facility construction, and operational standards required for safe handling and use of biohazard materials for research and teaching activities.

The Biosafety Program does not apply to UCSD medical centers or clinics directly covered under the UCSD Medical Center license.

Biohazard materials

Biohazard materials covered in the program include:

• Biological toxins
• Infectious organisms that can cause disease in humans or cause significant environmental or agricultural impact
• Human or primate tissues, fluids, cells, or cell cultures
• Animal tissues, fluids, cells, or cell cultures that have been exposed to infectious organisms
• Recombinant DNA in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials
• Transgenic plants or animals
• Human gene transfer clinical trials
• Releases of recombinant DNA to the environment
• Animals known to be reservoirs of zoonotic diseases
• Select Agents

Biohazard Use Authorization (BUA)

Principal investigators (PIs) must have a BUA before beginning work with biohazard materials. Eligible PIs must have assigned laboratory space as determined by the university.

Responsibilities

UCSD Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The Institutional Biosafety Committee oversees use of biohazard materials by:

• Creating and enforcing policies and procedures
• Reviewing the use of biohazard materials
• Monitoring construction and use of biohazard containment facilities

IBC activities are guided by university policy, national guidelines, industry standards, and federal, state, and county regulations. The IBC reviews and approves all projects that involve biohazard materials before work begins.

Principal investigators

The PI is ultimately responsible for full compliance with policies, practices, and procedures set by the IBC when a BUA is granted. The UCSD Biosafety Handbook (PDF) is the primary reference for compliance with these requirements.

Responsibility extends to all aspects of biosafety involving individuals who enter or work in the laboratory or under the auspices of the PI.

Safety

Biosafety

• About the Biosafety Program
• Resources
• Animal Biosafety Level Reclassification
• Biohazard Use Authorization
• Autoclave Overview
• Biosafety Cabinet Overview
• Biosafety Level Practices Chart
• Bloodborne Pathogens Program
• Decontamination Methods
• Forms
• Select Agents
• High-Risk Biological Agents Requirement