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Biological Health and Safety
"Biosafety", or Biological Safety, is a concept that promotes safe laboratory practices, procedures, and proper use of containment equipment and facilities by laboratory personnel in the research and instructional laboratory environment. The purpose of a biological safety program is to prevent occupationally-acquired infections.
The Mason biosafety program monitors all laboratory activities involving the use of recombinant DNA and biohazardous materials which present a risk or potential risk to personnel and the environment. The University's Office of Laboratory Safety employs a Biological Safety Officer (BSO) who implements and manages the Biological Safety Program. Reference materials and forms related to biosafety are found on this website.
The biological safety program at Mason is structured in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) for work with infectious microorganisms and the NIH Guidelines For Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines).
For questions or comments about the biological safety program at Mason, please contact the Biosafety Officer, Sarah Gillette (sgillett@gmu.edu, 703-993-3827). In the event of an emergency after hours or when the BSO is unavailable, please contact the Mason Police by dialing 911 on any university telephone. |
