Biological Safety

Stay safe while exploring biology.

Worcester State University biological safety program includes recombinant DNA and bloodborne pathogens. The safety manual follows the NIH guidelines and federal bloodborne pathogens regulations. The Chemical Hygiene Officer oversees the biosafety program to ensure compliance and safe working conditions. Research programs are evaluated at least annually or when changes occur. University employees are responsible for observing the provisions of the Biosafety Plan and for reporting unsafe conditions to their immediate supervisors. Copies of the Safety Plans are available to all University employees and students.

Biological Safety Plan

The Biological Safety Plan is a document that defines policies and procedures pertaining to the use of biological materials. They are designed to help protect personnel and the environment from biologically hazardous materials. This manual also provides guidelines to comply with federal, state, and local requirements.

Note: the Biological Safety Plan will be available to download here.

Laboratory Safety Training Requirements

All new faculty, staff, and students must attend the laboratory safety presentation at their initial time of hire, and then pass a web-based laboratory safety test. The test consists of questions related to specific laboratory safety rules at the University. Once the test is passed, one can begin working in the laboratory. Notification of dates of safety presentations and test availability will be through campus email. Annual re-testing will take place at the beginning of each semester using the web-based laboratory safety test.