The University strives to ensure that all biohazardous materials used in teaching and research are properly obtained, used, stored, transferred, and disposed of. To this end, SF State has implemented a biological safety program for the sciences.
Biosafety Program at SF State
The Biological Safety Programs Coordinator works with the University Biosafety Committee (BSC) to minimize risks associated with biological hazards and to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations pertaining to biohazardous materials in labs. The Biosafety Programs Coordinator provides guidance for compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations and guidelines and oversees the Biohazard Use Authorization process.
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The University Biosafety Committee (BSC) reviews all requests to conduct research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid (RSNA) molecules and biologically hazardous materials.
At this time, SF State does not have an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) that meets National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines. We are working toward establishing a formal IBC that is under the purview of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP).
The SFSU written Biosafety Program Manual applies to the science teaching and research laboratories and certain field work.
Biosafety Program Manual Webpage
Lab Biological Waste Disposal Webpage
Biohazard Use Authorizations (BUAs) provide University oversight of work using potentially biohazardous materials or materials containing Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid molecules (RSNA).
- University Biosafety Committee reviews BUA applications.
- The BSC Chair and EHS Biosafety Programs Coordinator ( or their designees) both must approve BUA applications.
- Annual renewal is required.
- Amendments can be requested anytime.
For the application package and more information, visit the Biohazard Use Authorization web page.
Practices for handling pathogenic and potentially infectious waste must meet the requirements described in the SFSU Medical Waste Management Plan submitted to the City and County of San Francisco.
The SFSU Biosafety Program manual describes the protocols for the collection, storage, labeling, treatment, and disposal of laboratory biological waste, including lab items and debris contaminated with biological materials.
Lab Biological Waste Disposal Webpage
Protocols for non-infectious biological waste (and lab debris that may be contaminated but non-infectious (BSL-1)), are described in the SFSU Biosafety Program manual. These protocols are not included in the SFSU Medical Waste Management Plan because this type of waste is not regulated. However, they help labs manage biological waste so they are not confused with bio-hazardous (medical) waste that IS regulated.
NOTES:
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The use of Risk Group 3 or Risk Group 4 biological materials in research or teaching is prohibited at SF State University. There are no facilities for BSL-3 or BSL-4 containment.
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The use of Select Agents is prohibited at SF State unless required federal permits are obtained
Resources for biosafety information
