We facilitate the implementation of biosafety practices for researchers in the laboratory. The information provided should aid you in practicing safe science when working with biological agents.
Select one of the links below for more information:
About Biological Safety at the NIH
Biological and Pathogen Registrations
Biological Materials Shipping (Import/Export)
Biological Safety Cabinets
Decontamination and Sterilization
Exempt Toxin Program Requirements
Guidance for the Selection of Laboratory Coats
NIH Exposure Control Program
Safety Data Sheets
Safety By Design: Biosafety Monograph
Select Agent Program
SOP 900 Approval Process for Inactivation Methods for Infectious Material
Spill in Laboratory
About Biological Safety at the NIH
We promote biological safety at the NIH through a broad range of support services, consultation and assistance. We provide training support to help supervisors fulfill the necessary training requirements. Training classes that address the recognition and control of common biological, chemical and physical hazards found in NIH laboratories, as well as safe work practices with human and nonhuman primate retroviruses and other bloodborne pathogens, are routinely presented.
All work with hazardous biological materials is conducted in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Institutes of Health publication,
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 6th Edition. Laboratories where work at BSL-1 and higher is conducted are posted with signage indicating:
- Assigned biosafety level
- Biological material(s) in use
- Special procedures or precautions for entry
- Name of the Principal Investigator (PI)
- Contact numbers in case of an emergency
These laboratories will be inspected by our Safety and Health Specialists to ensure that the facility is operating properly for the assigned biosafety level and that appropriate practices and procedures are observed. Follow-up inspections may be conducted.
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