Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

COVID-19 Research: Notice to Investigators

In the interest of facilitating expedient and effective IBC review of proposed COVID-19
research, the IBC has implemented a pre-application process for all Principal Investigators who are planning to conduct research involving COVID-19. For more information, please refer to the following documents, which provide guidance on the pre-application submission process:

UND Laboratory Requirements for COVID-19 Research

IBC Review Process for COVID-19 Research

IBC Protocol Risk Assessment

UND Risk Assessment Tool

IBC Authority and Purpose

The University of North Dakota Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) requires that any biological research or teaching activities, particularly those utilizing DNA, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, or biohazardous research material, be subject to a University Review Process and that these activities must be approved by the IBC prior to their initiation.

The IBC is the only authorized University committee that can give approval to projects and activities involving DNA, recombinant DNA and biohazardous research material.

The IBC will follow UND laboratory biosafety guidelines and the NIH guidelines for DNA, recombinant DNA and biohazardous material research in determining the suitability of projects and activities. For any proposed activity not approved by the IBC, an explanation of that decision will be provided. Any project or activity not approved can be revised and resubmitted to the IBC for consideration.

IBC Application Process

All faculty or staff who plan on using recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials or conducting activities that involve the handling of biological materials in a research setting (live or dead animals, plant or animal pathogens, tissue, blood, bodily secretions, nucleic acids, toxins, etc.), teaching, or other activities must submit a completed, signed application form to:

IBC Office
University of North Dakota
Tech Accelerator, Suite 2050
4201 James Ray Drive Stop 7134
Grand Forks, ND 58202-7134
UND.ibc@UND.edu

One copy of all funded grant applications utilizing recombinant DNA or biohazardous materials must be submitted to the IBC with the application. The PI will not be able to access grant funds or begin the project until the IBC has reviewed and approved the project. Any changes to an approved project must receive IBC approval prior to their implementation.

All approved projects must be reviewed on an annual basis, and any significant protocol changes must be submitted for approved, as well.

All principal investigators should be familiar with laboratory biosafety and the NIH guidelines for recombinant DNA research.

Members

1-Chair
2-Vice-Chair
3-Community Member
4-Non-voting Member

Forms

• IBC Research Registration Application: To be completed by all investigators conducting biological research.
• IBC Instructional Registration Application: To be completed by anyone using biological materials for educational or instructional purposes.
• IBC Protocol Change and Annual Review Form: To be completed annually by all investigators conducting biological research or when initiating a change to an approved IBC protocol.
• IBC Adverse Event Reporting Form: To be completed within 24 hours of an adverse event occurring on an approved IBC protocol.

Risk Assessment Resources

• IBC Protocol Risk Assessment
• UND Risk Assessment Tool

Material Transfer Agreements (MTA)

• MTA Process for All Biological Materials
• MTA Template for Academic Partners
• MTA Template for Industry Partners

Policies

• Institutional Biological Safety Policy
• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
• Sharps Policy
• Occupational Health Plan
• Respiratory Protection Plan
• Biological Safety Cabinet Policy
• Transport of Hazardous Materials Policy

Manuals

• Institutional Biosafety Manual
• Laboratory Specific Safety Manual
• Plant Biosafety Lab Manual

Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Who Needs to Complete this Training?

Bloodborne pathogens training is mandatory for all laboratory investigators working with exposed blood, blood components, or any unfixed human tissue; and for other employees whose job responsibilities may expose them to such materials.

Any person who handles blood or certain other body fluids as part of their job, or whose job responsibilities include activities that might expose them to such body fluids is required to understand the potential hazards of such exposure and receive bloodborne pathogens training.

Training Links:

• Instructions for Registering for the UND Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Laboratories
• Safe Colleges Training Website

Other Training Resources:

• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Fact Sheet
• UND Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan