Biological Agent Risk Assessment

Campus lab safety policy requires that all laboratories working with Recombinant DNA, Biological Materials and/or Select Agents must request approval by submitting a Biological Agent Risk Assessment through Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Department.

• The Risk Assessment information is used to assess laboratory risks, determine if safety committee approvals are required, assist during emergency response, and to coordinate lab safety efforts.
• Recombinant DNA, as defined by the KU rDNA Safety Committee, requires safety committee approval, and the approval letter filed with EHS.
• Biological Material, as defined in the "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories" handbook, requires EHS approval. BSL2 may require committee approval. BSL3 does require committee approval.
• Select Agent, as defined by Center for Disease Control, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, requires EHS and safety committee approval.
• BSL4 level materials are not approved for use on the KU Lawrence campus.
• The Risk Assessment form must be updated, and a copy sent to EHS, each time the hazards of a material change.

Biological Risk Assessment Form - Available upon request.

Contact Biosafety Services for Guidance -- 864-2857