The ETSU Institutional BioSafety and Chemical Safety Committee (IBC)

In Response to COVID-19
Biosafety Laboratory Guidance for COVID-19

The ETSU Institutional BioSafety and Chemical Safety Committee (IBC) is a University-wide committee responsible for developing institutional biosafety policies and for reviewing and approving research that uses biohazards, recombinant DNA and ensuring that protocols conform with the proper guidelines associated with the handling of toxic/hazardous chemicals as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and/or determined by the ETSU IBC.  Biohazards are biological agents and materials, which are potentially hazardous to humans, animals and/or plants including infectious agents, select agents and toxins. Examples include but are not limited to: certain bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, recombinant products, allergens, cultured human or animal cells and the potentially infectious agents these cells may contain viroids, prions and other infectious agents as outlined in laws, regulations, or guidelines.

Any research or testing activity that involves the use of biohazards, recombinant DNA or when toxic/hazardous chemicals are used in a way that presents exposure to researchers or the public  require review by the ETSU IBC before a hazardous chemical or biohazardous material is acquired and before the study begins.

In order to obtain approval for your study, complete the following steps:

1. Select and read the appropriate pages ( Recombinant DNA or Pathogens, Select Agents, and Human Cells/Tissues or Toxic/Hazardous Chemicals), then download and complete the relevant registration form.  Forms must be completed electronically, not handwritten.
    
2. Carefully read all instructions in the registration materials, as important and helpful information for completing the form is contained within the form
    
3. The Vice Provost for Research and Sponsored Programs is responsible for administering the Biosafety and Chemical Safety Committee and overseeing biosafety compliance at ETSU.  The principal investigator is directly responsible for adherence to all biosafety regulations in his/her laboratory or classroom. 
    
4. Once you have completed the application you may mail the paper application to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Administration (ORSPA) or submit it via email to research@etsu.edu as an attachment (Word document file). Print out and submit the signature page with the original signature of the PI.
    
5. If you are using human source material (human blood, blood products, body fluids, organs, tissues, or cell lines of human origin) you need to consult the Bloodborne Pathogen Policy and schedule training through the ETSU Health and Safety Office. 
    
6. If your protocol involves the use of human subjects, you are required to submit a "Request for Review of Project Involving Human Subjects or Human Specimens" form to the Institutional Review Board and to complete a mandatory online CITI training course and exam.
    
7. If your protocol involves the use of animals, you are required to submit an "Animal Study Protocol" form to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and to complete a mandatory online training course and exam and tour of the animal facilities.
    
8. Investigators should consult the ETSU Chemical Hygiene Plan for handling procedures when using potentially hazardous chemicals.
   
   
9. The IBC will meet every month (see schedule  below).  If no submissions are received by the submission deadline date, that meeting will be cancelled.   When planning to submit to the IBC, please refer to these deadlines.

All meetings will be held over Zoom. If in-person discussions are needed, meetings will be held in Ross Hall, the  Roan Scholars Conference Room,  room 210 at 10:30 am.  

For additional information or to inquire about the status of your submission please contact Marvin Bowe at 439-6292.