The health and well-being of the animals are the foremost consideration. Project directors need to be aware that several funding agencies, especially federal ones, require an institutional assurance form to be filed within 60 days of the application date with new applications and with the application on continuations. If this form is not filed, the proposal may be denied review at the agency. Institutional Biosafety Committee Recombinant DNA technology provides a new and powerful addition to the research techniques available to biochemists, but certain hazards are involved. These hazards include viruses, bacteria, or other microbiological agents with unusual properties that might be inadvertently released into the environment or directly transmitted to laboratory personnel.
Containment is of primary concern.
Permission to conduct Recombinant DNA research, use of human fluids or tissues or other teaching or research activities involving biohazardous materials, must be secured from the Biosafety Committee. This committee, composed of research faculty, students, physicians, and representatives from the local community, is responsible for monitoring all research and teaching activities utilizing biohazardous materials. The LCSC is a group of faculty and staff members appointed by the Vice President for Research and Dean of the University Graduate School to establish and guide the interpretation of policies for the safe use of chemicals in the laboratory environment. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is the University's administrative unit responsible for this safety program with the primary role in overseeing the implementation of the Laboratory Chemical Safety Plan. This type of license allows the University considerable flexibility in its use of radioactive materials in exchange for the establishment of an appropriate administrative structure and program for ensuring regulatory compliance.