Did You Know?

1. Blood borne pathogen training is to be conducted in a manner that provides the opportunity for trainees to actively interact with the trainer. (References: 29 CFR, 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N) and 2011 - 03/11/2011 - Clarification on when an instructor must be immediately available during a training program)

2. A subcommittee of the IBC can serve as an institution’s IRE, but when conducting IRE reviews (i.e., Dual Use) the reviews should be documented as an IRE activity rather than an IBC activity. (References: http://www.phe.gov/s3/dualuse/Documents/durc-policy.pdf and https://www.phe.gov/s3/dualuse/Documents/durc-ptc.pdf, “USG Policy for Institutional Oversight Of Life Sciences DURC: Points to Consider when Using An IBC as an IRE, NIH Publication)

3. Over 75% of the IBC’s registered with NIH oversee more than just recombinant DNA research, and 67% of the organizations manage their programs with 1 FTE or less. (A June 2015 survey of IBC Administrators).

4. In addition to documenting numerous points in the Biosafety Committee meeting minutes, each study reviewed by the committee must include the Principal Investigator’s name, the project title, verification that the PI and laboratory staff performing the research have been appropriately trained in the safe conduct of the research, the section of the NIH Guidelines the research falls under (e.g. Section III-D-1, Section III-E-1, etc.), and the containment conditions to be implemented (biosafety level and any special provisions). (Resources: The NIH Guidelines, https://osp.od.nih.gov/biotechnology/nih-guidelines/)

5. Most transgenic rodents that can be housed under ABSL1 conditions are exempt from IBC review. (Resources: NIH Guidelines, Section lll-E-3 and lll-F)

6. The last three IBC Administrators Best Practice meetings were attended by more than 165 administrators representing over 125 organizations from over 30 different states.

7. The origin of the NIH Recombinant Guidelines? At the Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA held in February 1975, Dr. Paul Berg and 140 professionals (primarily biologists, but also including lawyers and physicians) developed guidelines to ensure the safety of recombinant DNA technology.