The Biological Safety Manual provides a core set of biosafety practices and procedures for the safe handling of known biohazards and potentially infectious materials. The manual focuses mainly on Biosafety Levels 1 and 2, since many Drexel laboratories fall within these designations. A separate set of policies are available for researchers working in Biosafety Level 3 research laboratories.

The biological safety requirements for Drexel researchers are outlined in this manual. Registration and training information are provided along with details on work practices, safety equipment and facility design.  It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator and/or Supervisor to ensure that his/her laboratory is in compliance.  That responsibility includes identification of the risk or hazards associated with their research and the application of the appropriate safety procedures. Please read the section on responsibilities for additional information.

We urge you to use the manual as a road map to compliance within your laboratory. Consult the sections relevant to your research and apply the appropriate safety procedures. EH&S is available for consultation if you have any questions or concern with any aspect of the Biosafety Program at the University.  The Occupational Health and Safety training credo, “Think before you act,” and “If you do not know, ask,” are relevant to the use of this manual. If you are unsure of a requirement or biosafety practice, please contact the EH&S assistance.  We also would appreciate any feedback or comments that you may have with Biological Safety and control of health hazards related to biological agents within the university community.