Working with Biohazardous Materials
The Health and Safety Programs Office is dedicated to work with research personnel on how to work safely with biohazardous materials following University protocols, provide information on training programs, support programs for proper management and disposal of biohazardous materials and sharps waste. Proper disposal of biohazardous materials is included during Medical Waste Inspections and during annual visits by the Biosafety Office for areas with active research protocols.
To help prepare for a regulatory inspection, see the Medical Waste Inspection Checklist.
Research Protocols
Research Protocols reviewed by Administrative Panels for Research Compliance assure compliance with federal, state and location regulations of research and teaching activities.
There are four modules in eProtocol that can be accessed online along with detailed information on requirements to conduct research in these areas.
- Administrative Panel on Biosafety (APB)
- Administrative Panel on Laboratory Care (APLAC)
- Administrative Panel on Use of Human Subjects
- SCRO - Stem Cell Research Oversight
- Administrative Panel on Radiological Safety
- Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) Information may be required for the transfer of tangible research property for pre-clinical research use.
Training
Online modules are available through STARS.
Biosafety Training (EHS-1500)
Covers the safe use, handling, and disposal of biohazardous agents and reviews emergency procedures for an occupational injury or a spill of biological material. Laboratory staff working in the SOM and those working in a Life Sciences Research Laboratory should substitute EHS-4876 for this course.
Life Sciences Research Lab Safety (EHS-4875)
Combined training module for faculty, staff, and students who work in medical, biological, and life science research at Stanford and in the School of Medicine; includes Chemical, Biological and Compressed Gas Training modules.
Bloodborne Pathogen Training (BBP)
Required for individual with the potential for workplace exposure to bloodborne pathogens; includes online Initial (EHS-1600) and annual-refresher training.
Shipping of Biohazardous Goods (EHS-2700)
Trains an employee to properly package, label and document shipments of hazardous biological materials or dry ice for transportation by common carriers such as US Postal Service, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service.
Orientation for Laboratory Safety Coordinators (EHS-5200)
This course is designed for lab safety coordinators and lab managers who have been assigned some or all of the above duties by their PI/Lab Supervisor. The Principal Investigator (PI)/Laboratory Supervisor has responsibility for the health and safety of laboratory personnel in his/her laboratory. The PI/Lab Supervisor may delegate the safety duties for which he/she is responsible, but must make sure any delegated safety duties are carried out. Orientation for Laboratory Safety Coordinators provides general information on how to conduct and coordinate laboratory health and safety tasks assigned by his/her PI/Lab Supervisor. Topics covered include chemical inventory maintenance, laboratory self inspections, lab-specific health & safety training, standard operating procedures, incident reporting, and external regulatory inspections. Enroll by contacting the University Safety and Compliance Advisor or Health and Safety Programs Office.
Working Safety Near Radioactive Materials (EHS-5275)
Explains how to work safely near others who are using radioactive materials. This course is appropriate if you are a researcher or administrative worker who do not yourself use radioactive materials, but work in labs or buildings where others do. It explains what structures and procedures are in place to support lab safety, and why they are designed the way they are. This class does not certify you to work with radioactive materials. Also see related Health Physics information available on the Stanford Environmental Health and Safety Webpage.
Lab Practices
Biosafety Cabinets Work Instructions and Videos
- Work Instructions: Biosafety Cabinet Use and Safety BSC Work Instructions
- Video: Effective Use of Class II Biological Safety Cabinets Effective Use of Class II BSC
- Video: The Bad Laboratorian Bad Laboratorian - A short video showing what not to do when working in a biological safety cabinet.
- Video: Smoke and Particle Counter Demonstration Smoke and Particle Counter Demo
- Bloodborne Pathogens - Requires Annual Update
- Bloodborne Pathogens Local Exposure Control Plan and Guidance includes using universal precautions, exposure determination and insuring that immunizations or declination forms are in place and is supplemental to the institutional requirements outlined in the Stanford University Institutional Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan.
- Stanford Laboratory Standard & Design Guide: Biosafety Level 2 Laboratories
- Biosafety Cabinet selection
- Personal Protective Equipment such as lab coats, gloves, eye protection are required.
- Lab Ergonomic Tips
- Select Agents
Resources
- Biosafety Manual General Information is available on the University Environmental Health and Safety website.
- Biohazardous Agents and Recombinant DNA (RPH 6.9) from the Research Policy Handbook.
- CDC Publication on Biosafety Cabinets: Appendix A – Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets
- Responsibilities of PIs and Laboratory Personnel working with Blood/BBP/OPIM (Other Potentially Infectious Materials)
- Medical Waste Service – request Red Bag pick up or Daniels Reusable Sharps Containers or service by contacting the OFPM Workflow Control Desk (650-721-2146 or by submitting an online ticket.
- Biohazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines Poster