Biosafety Documentation

Principal Investigators have the responsibility to assess risks, understand and comply with institutional requirements and federal, state and local regulations, and train personnel that will minimize or eliminate risks associated with research involving biohazardous materials. All research activities should receive proper review before commencing.

The Assurance of Use of Hazardous Procedures Form is used to assess risks, personnel training and investigator  compliance with institutional requirements and federal, state and local regulations associated with research involving biohazardous materials.

Additionally, the Recombinant DNA Research Use Form informs the recombinant DNA Safety Officer about the nature of the experiments they are conducting. All researchers conducting any type of recombinant DNA research must inform the recombinant DNA Safety Officer about the nature of the experiments they are conducting. Research with DNA molecules must meet the NIH Guidelines for use of Exempt rDNA Molecules prior to initiating the research. Please contact Dr. Charles Bieberich at 5-3125 or bieberic@umbc.edu for information and guidance.

Definitions from the NIH Guidelines for use of Exempt rDNA Molecules

The NIH exempts research with DNA molecules that:

1.  Are not in organisms or viruses;

2.  Consist entirely of DNA segments from a single nonchromosomal or viral DNA source, though one or more of the segments may be a synthetic equivalent;

3.  Consist entirely of DNA from a prokaryotic host including its indigenous plasmids or viruses when propagated only in that host (or closely related strain of the same species), or when transferred to another host by well established physiological means;

4.  Consist entirely of DNA from a eukaryotic host including its chloroplasts, mitochondria, or plasmids (but excluding viruses) when propagated only in that host (or closely related strain of the same species);

5.  Consist entirely of DNA segments from different species that exchange DNA by known physiological processes, though one or more of the segments may be a synthetic equivalent. See the list of exchangers that are exempt from NIH Guidelines;

6.  Do not present a significant risk to health or the environment. See Appendix C, from NIH Guidelines

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