Biohazards in Research
Research or teaching of any type involving any of the agents listed below must be approved by the West Texas A&M University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) prior to initiation:
- Pathogens and potential pathogens of humans, animals, or plants that are classified by the American Tissue Culture Collection (ATCC) as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) or higher and/or listed by the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) as Risk Group 2 or higher (based on the NIH Guidelines and/or BMBL).
- Human-derived materials that contain or potentially contain human pathogens (including human blood and blood components and unfixed tissue).
- Non-human primate-derived materials that contain or potentially contain human pathogens (including non-human primate blood and blood components and unfixed tissues).
- Use of all cell lines, whether human or non-human primate, that are classified as BSL-2 or higher by the ATCC and/or as Risk Group 2 or higher by the ABSA (based on the NIH Guidelines and BMBL).
- Recombinant DNA and recombinant RNA including the creation or use of transgenic plants and animals.
- Select agents and toxins (see https://www.selectagents.gov/SelectAgentsandToxinsList.html) including strains and amounts exempted from the select agent regulations.
- Any material(s) (pathogenic or nonpathogenic) requiring a CDC import license or a USDA permit.
Program Information
- Approval Process
- Occupational Health Program
- Inspections
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Forms
- Resources
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Training
If you are unsure whether your project involves biohazards, email the Office of Research and Compliance.
Emergency Information
During business hours, contact the Office of Research and Compliance at 806.651.2740 and ask to speak with a biosafety officer. Please provide the laboratory location and building information.
Report A Concern
To report a concern regarding the unsafe use of biohazards please contact:
Office of Research and Compliance
806-651-2740
806-651-2733 fax
Or submit a report to Compliance Helpline (not for events presenting an immediate threat to life or property)