Biosafety
The UNMC Biosafety Program provides guidance and resources to ensure the safe handling and use of biological and biohazardous materials for research, clinical, and teaching activities at UNMC.
To report an emergency, call Public Safety Dispatch, 402-559-5555, or go to the Emergency Department for care.The biosafety program is intended to protect workers, students, the community, and the environment from potential exposures to biohazardous materials. Safe use of biological and biohazardous materials involves appropriate facilities and equipment, adequate training, outreach, proper laboratory practices, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Our Services
- Biosafety and bloodborne pathogen program development and implementation.
- Emergency response.
- Registration assistance for principal investigators with the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
- Containment facility design review.
- Laboratory inspections.
- Guidance on safe handling of biological agents, proper biological waste disposal and decontamination procedures.
- Compliance oversight for university biosafety policies and all regulatory requirements for working with biohazardous materials.
Biosafety Manual
The UNMC Biosafety Manual provides university-wide safety guidelines, policies and procedures for the use of biohazards. The manual was developed by the Office of Regulatory Affairs and the Institutional Biosafety Committee at UNMC. While implementation of these procedures is the responsibility of each principal investigator, successful adherence to them requires the combined efforts of laboratory supervisors and employees.
Biosafety Incidents or Near Misses
For incidents involving potential exposure to biohazardous material, such as a spill, injury, or equipment failure, perform immediate first aid as appropriate (wash, flush, wrap, etc) and contact the OUCH pager at 402-888-6824 immediately.
Please report all biosafety incidents, including near misses, within 24 hours using the Incident Reporting and Work Injury Care form.
Biosafety Concerns
For concerns related to the misuse or unsafe handling of biohazardous materials or noncompliance with an approved IBC protocol, Institutional policies, or local, state, or federal regulations please contact a Biosafety Officer or the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Chair immediately.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report your concerns via the UNMC Report of Safety Concern form, through Compliance Services or by completing the EhticsPoint online form. You also may call 844-348-9584.