Institutional Biosafety Committee Application Form Instructions

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Any use of microbiological/infectious agents and/or recombinant DNA molecules in research, must be reviewed and approved or exempted by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) before the procedure is initiated. The CDC/NIH manual entitled "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 4th edition" contains safe practices and laboratory requirements for research using microbiological agents. The NIH "Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules" contains requirements for protocol review and safe practices for work involving rDNA. 

Using This Form
Provide as much information as possible where requested.  Determine what biosafety level the protocol calls for (BSL-1, 2, or 3). Note that microbiological agents classified as BSL-1 are exempt from committee review. Assistance with determining your biosafety level can be had by contacting EH&S.  All levels of Recombinant DNA work require notification and/or approval to the Institutional Biosafety Committee.  Complete the necessary information as best you can and contact the Biological Safety Program with any questions, 713-500-4193.

Required Materials

1. Completed Institutional Biosafety Committee Risk Assessment Summary Form
2. A copy of the research protocol which should include practices to ensure safety and health in the laboratory.
3. Copies or citations of any relevant articles

A memorandum of understanding and agreement (MUA) form will be generated by EH&S following submission of above materials and prior to submission to the IBC.

IBC Meeting Date:First Thursday of every month.  Contact EH&S for time and location.

Submission Deadline: 14 days prior to facilitate review and preparation.  We will work with investigators to meet any and all grant deadlines whenever feasible.

Obtain Forms and Submit to: Environmental Health & Safety, OCB 1.330, 713-500-8100 or DBB B51, 713-500-4193.

Once Approved: Protocols are granted approval for a period of five years, but will be reviewed on an annual basis.  An annual protocol renewal form will be distributed to you each August.

Changes in Methods, Microbiological Agent/RDNS, or Personnel: Protocol changes may be submitted to EH&S at any time.  Apply by memo referencing the Institutional Biosafety Safety Committee registration number. If changes are extensive, include a new set of forms.

Important Notice to Principal Investigator Applicants: The Principal Investigator (PI) is the individual who submits the application to employ biological agents or recombinant DNA in his or her work. This individual is responsible for adherence to all guidelines and regulations. The PI is also fully responsible for the safe use of such agents by themselves and those under his or her direction. Other specific responsibilities of the PI are described in the UTHSC-H Biological Safety Manual and HOOP policies. 

Dual use organisms or select agents/toxins will require additional information and review.

modified last: 10/18/2007