Introduction
Welcome to the University of Montana Biosafety Manual, a comprehensive resource designed to ensure the safe and responsible handling of r/sDNA, toxins, hazards, infectious agents and biological materials within our university community. This manual outlines the policies, procedures, and best practices necessary to minimize risks associated with biological research, teaching, and related activities, while safeguarding the health of individuals, the environment, and the broader community.
Our institution is committed to fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance with applicable local, national, and international regulations. As part of this commitment, this manual serves as a guiding document for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors engaged in activities involving biological agents, recombinant DNA, and biohazardous materials.
Purpose
The purpose of this manual is to:
- Protect Personnel: Ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in biological research and teaching activities.
- Safeguard the Environment: Prevent accidental release of biohazardous materials into the environment.
- Promote Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant biosafety regulations and guidelines, including those established by CDC, NIH, WHO, USDA-AHPIS and ABSA International.
- Foster Awareness: Educate and empower individuals to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with biological work.
This Biosafety Manual is applicable to all laboratory, research, teaching, service, and support activities that may involveexposure to biohazardous agents or materials or otherwise comes under the purview of the InstitutionalBiosafety Committee (IBC) at the University of Montana. Activities that are specifically addressed are those involving:
- Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules (r/sDNA), including the use of transgenic animals (which includes creating, breeding or purchasing) and experiments that may be exempt under the NIH Guidelines
- Infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and prions, as well as viral vectors and samples collected in the field with the potential of being infectious or hazardous.
- Toxins of biological origin
- Human or non-human primate tissue or fluids, cell lines transformed with mammalian viruses, and human cell lines
This manual applies to all university departments, laboratories, and facilities where r/sDNA, biological materials or biohazardous agents are used, stored, or transported. It is a living document that will be updated regularly to reflect advances in biosafety standards and evolving regulatory requirements.
A Culture of Safety
Biosafety is more than a set of rules—it is a mindset that prioritizes vigilance, responsibility, and ethical conduct. By embracing a proactive approach to safety, we can uphold the university’s reputation for excellence while protecting the health and integrity of our campus community and resources.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the contents of this manual and to actively engage in promoting a safe and secure working environment. Should you have questions or require further clarification, please contact the university’s Biosafety Office or Biosafety Officer at IBC@mso.umt.edu for assistance.
Together, we can achieve our mission of advancing scientific knowledge while maintaining the highest standards of safety and stewardship.
Scope
This manual applies to all research activities at the University of Montana (UM) that involve the use of biological agents. It is relevant to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors engaged in UM-sponsored projects or working in UM facilities.
Biohazardous materials covered under this manual include, but are not limited to:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Human or primate tissues, fluids, cells, or cell cultures
- Wastewater
- Plant pests and pathogens
- Plant products and soil
- Mammalian tissues and samples (e.g. feathers, fecal samples, blood, urine)
The intent of this manual is to ensure the safety of personnel, the public, and the environment, while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting responsible research practices.
Roles and Responsibilities
The success of the Biosafety Program at UM relies on a collaborative effort among several key stakeholders, including the Biosafety Officer (BSO), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Principal Investigators (PIs), laboratory workers, the Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHS), and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).
Maintaining a safe working environment is a shared responsibility. Faculty, staff, students, and administrators are expected to:
- Understand and adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in this manual.
- Complete required biosafety training prior to engaging in relevant activities.
- Report incidents, accidents, or safety concerns promptly to the designated biosafety officer.
- Collaborate with the Biosafety Committee to ensure compliance and address safety concerns.
Principal Investigators bear primary responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of all personnel working under their supervision, including the safe operation of their laboratory spaces. UM administration and the IBC fully endorse this manual and encourage active participation by all individuals to uphold high biosafety standards across the university’s research facilities.