Biological Safety Program

Welcome to the Columbia University EH&S Biological Safety Program. 

The Biosafety Program is responsible for anticipating, assessing and controlling risks posed by the handling and use of bacteria, viruses, potentially infectious human materials and other microorganisms, toxins and biological materials, in research and clinical practice.
  
Through the application of materials substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and the use of personal protective equipment, the Biosafety Program aims to minimize the incidence of laboratory- and clinically-acquired infections and to ensure a safe and productive working environment, free from risk of exposure to potential biological hazards, for students, faculty, staff and neighbors of Columbia University. 

Biosafety Program staff assist the IBC with evaluation of IACUC and IRB protocol appendices , including both in vitro and in vivo studies, for compliance with the NIH recombinant DNA guidelines. Staff provide technical consult on research design and contamination prevention, respond to spills of biohazardous materials, assist in the preparation of shipments of biological substances and offer expertise in compliance with federal, state, city and university regulations, requirements and policies.