X-rays from a Central “Exhaust Vent” of the Galactic Center Chimney
IMPLEMENTATION OF A BSL2 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
1. IMPLEMENTATION OF A BSL2
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM AT
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Iwona Spath, RBP
Biological Safety Specialist
Office for Research Safety
2. 2
“To certify BSL2 safety management
of our laboratories in adherence to
all regulations, guidelines, standards
and best practices”.
3. 3
“To provide an opportunity for well
managed BSL-2 laboratories to
demonstrate and be recognized for
their contributions in promoting a
culture of safety within the institution”.
4. 4
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
qInitial Annual Lab Inspection
qUnannounced Lab Inspection
qReview & Evaluation Process
qMaintenance of Accreditation & Requalification
7. 7
GENERAL SAFETY
Examples:
q Profile , laboratory hazards, lab locations, and workers are up to date
q Training
q Specialized SOPs uploaded
q Emergency Information and procedures up to date
q First Aid Kit and Spill Kit present
q Appropriate PPE used and in good condition
8. 8
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
Examples:
q Evidence of no eating
q 28 inches clear for aisles and exists and 18 inches clearance from the ceiling
q No protruding objects on bench tops and floors
q Eye wash and safety showers accessible
q Chemical fume hood certified
q Vacuum pumps vented
9. 9
CHEMICAL STORAGE AND WASTE
Examples:
q Proper labels and closure of waste
q Puncture resistant containers
q Proper labeling of peroxides
q Proper segregation based on hazard
q Functional chemical storage cabinets
q Restraints for gas cylinders and more…
10. 10
BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE & BIOSAFETY
Examples:
q Proper bags and containers used
q Sharps disposal, including tips and serological pipettes
q Certification of BSC
q Disinfectants
q Cold storage and inventory
11. 11
RECOMBINANT & SYNTHETIC NUCLEIC ACIDS
Examples:
qIs the work registered?
qIs the work annually updated?
q Are any changes registered?
13. 13
UNANNOUNCED LAB INSPECTIONS
q Focus on biological safety
q Twenty-three questions pulled from different review sections
q Two unannounced lab inspections within three months
15. 15
REVIEW AND EVALUATION PROCESS
q Deficiencies corrected within 2 weeks
q Report submitted to Office for Research Safety (ORS)
q Approval
16. 16
Maintenance of Certification & Requalification
q Granted for 2 years
q Lab’s responsibility to maintain safety culture and compliance
q Unannounced BSL-2 laboratories inspection and unofficial visit
q Active communication with ORS (any changes must be reported)
q Right to withdraw for failure to comply
18. 18
q Program initiated July 1, 2017
q BSL2 labs - 230 PIs in Chicago and 55 in Evanston
q First Phase: few labs selected on each campus: Evanston and Chicago
(excellent laboratory safety track record)
Ø Status – in progress
Ø Evanston: six labs obtained BSL2 certificates (two in process)
Ø Chicago: eight labs obtained (two in process)
q Second Phase: invitation will be extended to additional qualified labs (good
laboratory safety track record)
Ø Status – in planning
24. 24
ORS WORK AND SUPPORT FOR THE LABS
Safety Supply Catalog (free of charge):
§ Hazard Communication Signs & Labels
§ Hazardous Waste Tags and Chemical Waste Bags
§ 1-Quart and 1-Gallon Wide-Mouth Jars
§ Safety Glasses
§ Safety Waste Funnel for 1-Gallon Jugs
§ Peroxide Test Strips
§ Incineration Box and Bio Waste Bags
§ Cut Resistant Gloves
§ Blue FR Rated Lab Coats and White Lab Coats
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ORS SERVICES - WEB BASED TRAINING
§ Biological Safety Certification
§ Bloodborne Pathogens for Clinical or Research Lab Workers Certification
§ Compressed Gas Cylinders Certification
§ Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Certification
§ Laboratory Safety Certification
§ Personal Protective Equipment Certification and more …
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ORS SERVICES - INSTRUCTOR LED TRAINING
Safe Shipping of Biological Materials and Dry Ice Certification
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q We expect that this program will help laboratories:
Ø To understand the importance of a culture of safety
Ø To foster and/or improve a working relationship with
biology-focused labs.
q Following successful implementation:
Ø We hope to develop similar programs for chemistry-,
physics-, and engineering-focused laboratories.
32. 32
The success of the program (to enlist as many qualified
BSL2 labs as possible):
§ Will make a difference in the daily operating routines
of the labs
§ Will provide safer environment for everyone
§ Will improve the safety management system for ORS
including safety inspections of biological laboratories
OUTCOMES
33. 33
"I wish to express that the XXX lab is delighted to receive the BSL2 accreditation. In
my opinion, the process of obtaining BSL2 accreditation is fairly straightforward and
simple. As we recently set up our BSL 2 facility in the lab, we had some minor issues
but we fixed them effectively with the help from ORS, specifically from XXX. I would
encourage every lab to participate in this certification process. If nothing else, this
process will help to improve the safety standards of the lab, which will contribute
to improving the quality of research."
“XXX lab took part in BSL2 certification program-2017. We had few inspections
performed by the Biosafety Specialist. They went just fine. Nothing extra, just regular
maintenance of the lab”.
