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Biological Safety & Compliance

DOHS facilitates the implementation of biosafety practices for researchers in the laboratory.  The information presented on this website is intended to aid the researcher in practicing safe science when working with biological agents.   research 1.jpg

DOHS is responsible for managing biological safety at the NIH and provides a broad range of support services, consultation and assistance. DOHS provides training support to help supervisors fulfill the necessary training requirements. Training classes which address the recognition and control of common biological, chemical and physical hazards found in NIH laboratories, as well as safe work practices with human and nonhuman primate retroviruses and other bloodbome pathogens, are routinely presented.

All work with hazardous biological materials is to be conducted in compliance with the CDC/NIH publication, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 5th EditionLaboratories where work at BSL-1 and higher is conducted, shall be posted with signage indicating the assigned biosafety level, biological material(s) in use, special procedures or precautions for entry, name of the Principal Investigator and contact numbers in case of an emergency. These laboratories will be inspected by DOHS Safety and Health Specialists to ensure that the facility is operating properly for the assigned biosafety level and that appropriate practices and procedures are observed. Follow-up inspections may be conducted.