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  4. Biosafety for Research (IBC & IRE)
  5. Biosafety Policies, Regulations & Guidelines
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Biosafety Policies, Regulations & Guidelines

Institutions that receive NIH funding for any research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids must comply with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH r/s NA Guidelines). Here at UCH, we commonly abbreviate this title to NIH r/s NA Guidelines.  You can read the full document.

The state of Connecticut has pertinent laws as well. Please see the CT Public Health Code 19a-36-A and the Requirements for Institutions with BSL-3 Facilities for more information.

The Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), published by the CDC’s Office of Safety, Health, and Environment in conjuction with the NIH, is considered the national standard to promote the safety and health of laboratory workers. It covers the basic principles of biosafety, biocontainment, and provides detailed information on working safely with various pathogens, toxins, and other biohazards. Please take the time to review the BMBL and promote a culture of safety in your laboratory.

For those who may be in contact with human blood, body fluids or tissues, Bloodborne Pathogen training is a legal requirement (OSHA). For those interested in the specifics:

Transporting biohazardous materials in personal vehicles is explicitly prohibited under UConn Health policies and aligned regulatory guidance. According to the institution’s Transport of Biological Materials policy, using personal vehicles to carry infectious or regulated biological agents is against policy due to the increased risk of accidental exposure, spills, or environmental contamination. Compliance with this prohibition is reinforced through multiple documents, including the Health & Safety Policy Statement, Chemical Hygiene/Safety Plans, and the Exposure Control Plan, all of which emphasize that biohazard handling and transport must follow approved procedures. This comprehensive approach reflects federal OSHA requirements, NIH guidelines, and internal biosafety best practices.