4.0 BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL SAFETY
PROGRAM
The Biological and Chemical Safety Program (B&C) provides
the following services:
- Certifies chemical fume hoods, biological safety
cabinets and laminar flow cabinets, and coordinates recertifications
- Administers all aspects of the Asbestos Management
Program
- Provides administrative support for the UTMB, Health and
Human Services & United States Department of Agriculture Select Agent
Compliance Program
- Monitor for exposure to toxic chemicals
- Consult on safety issues regarding the use of chemical
and biological agents
- Consult regarding spills of hazardous materials
- Oversee packaging, labeling and documentation for
shipment of chemicals and biological agents off campus
- Provide assistance with Hazard Communication Act and
Material Safety Data Sheet interpretation
- Conduct respirator fit testing
- Consult on medical waste issues
- Develop and deliver specialized safety training relevant
to biological and chemical safety
- Develop specifications & guidelines for purchase and
installation of safety equipment
- Review renovation & construction plans
- Consult on indoor air quality and other industrial
hygiene issues
- Inspect/audit research and clinical laboratory areas for
compliance with Federal, State and local regulation
- Offers Research Laboratory Biosafety Training Program
for the high containment laboratories on campus
- Assists faculty in preparing documentation for review
and approval by the Institutional BioSafety Committee & the Chemical Safety
Committee
Regulatory Licenses and Registrations which are the
responsibility of B&C include:
- The Texas Department of State Health Services licenses
the University of Texas Medical Branch as an Asbestos Operations and
Maintenance Contractor.
- The Institutional BioSafety Committee is registered
through the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities.
- The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention Select Agent Program and the Animal Plant
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Agriculture Select Agent Program provides a
Certificate of Registration to the University of Texas Medical Branch and
authorizes the University to possess, use and transfer select agents and
toxins as specified in the application.