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Regulations & Guidelines

A number of federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines form the foundation upon which the practices and procedures of the UK Biological Safety Program are built.

CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 6th Edition

Otherwise known as the BMBL, this document is considered to be the minimum standard for biosafety practices in U.S. laboratories handling infectious microorganisms and hazardous biological materials. 

NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines)

As a recipient of NIH support for research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid research, the University of Kentucky is required to assume all responsibilities as assigned in the NIH Guidelines.

OSHA 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard is applicable to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (including immortalized human cells). 

Guidelines for Biosafety Laboratory Competency

Published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) in 2011, this document outlines the essential skills, knowledge, and abilities required for working with biological agents at the three highest biosafety levels (BSLs).

Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)

Dual Use Research of Concern is life sciences research that, based on current understanding, can be reasonably anticipated to provide knowledge, information, products, or technologies that could be directly misapplied to pose a significant threat with broad potential consequences to public health and safety, agricultural crops and other plants, animals, the environment, materiel, or national security. The United States Government’s oversight of DURC is aimed at preserving the benefits of life sciences research while minimizing the risk of misuse of the knowledge, information, products, or technologies provided by such research.

Research Involving Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (ePPP)

The U.S. Government and the Department of Health and Human Services define enhanced potential pandemic pathogen (ePPP) research as research that may be reasonably anticipated to create, transfer or use potential pandemic pathogens resulting from the enhancement of a pathogen’s transmissibility and/or virulence in humans.

Practical Guide to Plant Containment

Originally published in 2001 and updated in 2008, the Practical Guide to Plant Containment addresses containment of transgenic plants or plant-associated organisms.

Arthropod Containment Guidelines, Version 3.2

A product of the American Committee of Medical Entomology, a subcommittee of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the Arthropod Containment Guidelines provide guidance to research laboratories for assessing risk and establishing protocols for the safe handling of arthropod vectors of human and animal disease agents.

Federal Select Agent Program

The Federal Select Agent Program oversees the possession, use and transfer of select agents and toxins, which pose a threat to public, animal, or plant health.

OSHA Act of 1970

Otherwise known as the General Duty Clause, employers are obligated to provide a safe workplace that is free from recognized hazards.

UK Administrative Regulation 6.3 

The University of Kentucky (the University) endeavors to maintain a safe and healthy environment for its students, employees, and visitors through effective environmental health and safety programs. The University positions itself as a leader within the Commonwealth in environmental stewardship, health protection, and safety standards and expects all students, employees, and members of the community to comply with applicable environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations. This regulation mandates compliance and assigns specific responsibilities associated with implementation and maintenance of the University’s environmental health and safety programs.

UK Administrative Regulation 6.9

This regulation establishes the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Committee, Chemical Safety Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Radiation Safety Committee.  These committees exercise advisory and other stated responsibilities for the Biological, Chemical, Environmental, Fire, Accident, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, and Radiation Safety programs of the University. The Committees functions within the context of established external regulations, University policies, and recognized standards for the safe conduct of operations.