Biosafety and Lab Safety

The Purdue University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews research protocols involving the use of recombinant DNA (rDNA), synthetic nucleic acids, and/or biohazardous agents that present a risk to humans, animals, and plants.

The Purdue IBC operates in accordance with the guidance and requirements of the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Purdue University policies. The Purdue IBC consists of Purdue University faculty, staff, and local community members. The IBC convenes as a group as frequently as needed to fulfill its responsibilities. The functions and structure of the IBC, are outlined in the IBC Charter.

Principal Investigators must be closely familiar with health and safety guidelines applicable to their work and the required methods to uphold these practices. Purdue’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the Office of Research, and the Biosafety Officer collaborate to support the IBC to carry out its responsibilities.

IBC Application Process

Principal Investigators must register with the IBC whenever research with recombinant DNA, synthetic nucleic acids, biohazardous agents, or unfixed human fluids and tissues is planned.

Completing an IBC Application – Renewal required every three years

Personnel Training – All personnel working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids and/or biohazardous agents must complete CITI training (links). Records of CITI training should be verified by the Principal Investigator before submitting an application for review. Please ensure that the completion of Biosafety Modules occurs by all staff. Other lab safety training may also need to occur through Environmental Health and Safety courses prior to an IBC protocol approval. Please see the EHS Training page to access any additional courses relevant to the research being conducted.

IBC applications are submitted through the Purdue Excellence in Research Administration (PERA) system. The biosafety level and NIH categories applicable to the research protocol will be assigned in PERA. If possible, the use of an application that covers all of the activities of the research space is preferred.

Research Space Inspection – Shortly after submission of the application, a laboratory inspection personnel responsible for biosafety within Environmental Health and Safety, will complete a walk-thru to ensure that all safety procedures are in place. Any corrective actions identified upon inspection will require correction before IBC approval. This process will be repeated triennially.

Dialogue and Clarification

Depending on the activities of the laboratory and the biosafety levels, the application will be reviewed by the IBC Chair or Committee. Questions about the application materials will be communicated through PERA.

IBC Approval

Once the IBC has approved a protocol, all documents should be kept in a central location in the laboratory space. Ensure all signage and emergency materials described in the protocol appear in a central location in the laboratory. Please utilize the EHS website for more information. Approvals from the committee are valid for a period of three years.

Protocol Changes

PIs must report substantial changes in the biosafety protocol to the IBC through PERA. Examples of substantial changes include: change in personnel, change to the location or assignment of a research space, or use of a new biohazardous agent requiring risk level evaluation. When in doubt, please contact the Biosafety Officer.