Biological Safety

Violet Wayman
Safety Specialist (Biological)
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The EH&S Biological Safety Program provides elements for the protection of UTA faculty, staff, students, and visitors in a variety of microbiological and biomedical laboratory settings and helps achieve compliance with many different standards, guidelines and regulations applicable to research with or exposure to biohazards. The Biological Safety Program helps to protect the researcher(s) handling biohazard(s) as well as others in laboratories, buildings and the campus community. This goal is achieved through laboratory safety evaluations which help to recognize situations that could present a risk and taking action before a situation develops in areas where biohazards are planning to be used and/or where research with biohazards is ongoing. The Biological Safety Program assists laboratory and support personnel in working safely with biological agents and materials by emphasizing the importance of the use of personnel protective equipment, other safety equipment, and proper use of equipment that may be associated with the dissemination of biohazards (aerosol spread, sharps injuries, etc.). An initial registration to capture biosafety level 2 and other regulated work with biohazards is a starting point to the process that will prepare the laboratory areas for work with this type of biological materials.

Training sets a solid foundation for good biological safety practices. EH&S Biological Safety Program offers training in the following areas: Biosafety level 2 special practices, bloodborne pathogens, vaccinia virus safety, biosafety issues for Laboratory Teaching Assistants, and biohazardous waste management by autoclaving. Safety manuals, standard operating procedures, and other guidance documents are available for laboratory use.

EH&S Biological Safety Program also assists the UTA campus community in disposal of microbiological, animal, blood/other potentially infected materials waste, and sharps.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Police: 817-272-3003
Environmental Health & Safety: 817-272-2185
Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222