Laboratory Safety & Research

Ball State University is actively committed to preserving the health and safety of its students, staff, and faculty, and to protecting the environment and the community. It is recognized that oversight of the use of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, other biological materials, and organisms containing recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules is necessary in University research and teaching laboratories. To ensure the safe handling of these organisms, the University requires compliance with the NIH Guidelines and with the recommendations in BMBL. Compliance with other applicable federal, state, and local regulations is also required.

Policies

Ball State Laborartory Safety Policy

Ball State University Biosafety Training (Panopto)

NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) April, 2024 

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

Our Responsibilities

BSU Office of Research Integrity (ORI Biosafety) will be responsible for:

  • Preparing the Biosafety Manual and reviewing as needed or at least annually;
  • Making known the availability of the Biosafety Manual to each faculty member who works with biological materials;
  • Investigating accidents involving biological materials and toxins, infectious agents, and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules;
  • Tracking the certification of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC’s);
  • Assisting and advising on the collection and disposal of biological waste when appropriate;
  • Providing online Bloodborne Pathogen annual refresher training as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 29 CFR 1910.1030;
  • Providing online training modules in biosafety and NIH Guidelines;
  • Conducting laboratory inspections;
  • Assisting investigators with risk assessments and risk mitigation including recommending or requiring safety equipment and PPE as necessary;
  • Administering all elements of the biosafety program;
  • Assist faculty with protocol submissions to the IBC and review IBC submissions; and
  • Reporting any significant problems with or violations of the NIH Guidelines and any significant research-related accidents or illness to the appropriate institutional official and to the NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) immediately and within 30 days, as required.

Questions regarding the Biosafety Program? Contact Jim Klenner