Biological Safety

Providing support, in the form of risk assessment, review, consultation and training, for research at UC Berkeley that involves the use of recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials and biological toxins.

West Nile Virus

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2004

West Nile (WN) virus originated in remote areas of Africa, Asia, eastern Europe, and the Middle East. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus was first detected in the United States in New York City in 1999. Usually people and animals that are infected with the virus show no symptoms or suffer only mild illness. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal. Individuals over the age of 50 have the highest risk for encephalitis caused by WN virus.

Laren Lofchy

Assistant Biosafety Officer
Biosafety
BUA
Lab Safety

Recombinant DNA Emergency Spill and Incident Reporting Procedures

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2011

Recombinant DNA Emergency Spill and Incident Reporting Procedures in a BSL 1 or BSL 2 Laboratory

Needles and Sharps: Safe Handling, Injury Response and Disposal

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2020

A sharp is any device with corners, edges, or projections capable of cutting or piercing. Sharps include,
but are not limited to, the following:

Needles Needles with syringes and attached tubing Blades (razors, scalpels and X-acto®) Glass pasteur pipettes Broken glass, glass slides, and coverslips

Training

The EH&S training team creates, delivers, and tracks health, safety, and environmental training for all faculty, staff, and students.

Vivarium Safety, Fact Sheet

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2023

Guidance for Animal Facility Workers & Contractors

In accordance with UC Berkeley’s Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Care (OLAC)’s guidelines and procedures, it is the responsibility of ALL University workers and contractors to ensure the health and well-being of animals used in research and...

Management of BSL 1 Recombinant DNA Waste

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2011

BSL 1 Recombinant DNA Waste Fact Sheet

General Autoclave Safety

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2023

Autoclaves are used for steam sterilization – a process achieved by using superheated steam to kill microorganisms and spores. Autoclaves are used to decontaminate certain biological waste and sterilize lab materials.

Biosafety Laboratory Inspection Program

BiosafetyBiosafety Laboratory Inspection Program

EH&S safety professionals conduct inspections of all laboratory spaces included on a research group’s Biological Use Authorization (BUA). These inspections cover administrative controls, general laboratory safety, and specific requirements related to the biosafety level(s) designated to...

Hazardous Materials

hazardous materials icon Helping campus units manage their hazardous materials by providing assistance with shipping, waste pick-up and disposal, and chemical inventory needs.