The ETSU Institutional BioSafety and Chemical Safety Committee (IBC)

The ETSU Institutional Biosafety and Chemical Safety Committee (IBSCSC) is a University-wide committee responsible for developing institutional biosafety policies and for reviewing and approving research that uses biohazards, recombinant DNA, and ensuring that protocols conform with the proper guidelines associated with the handling of toxic/hazardous chemicals as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and/or determined by the ETSU IBSCSC.  Biohazards are biological agents and materials, which are potentially hazardous to humans, animals and/or plants including infectious agents, select agents and toxins. Examples include but are not limited to: certain bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, recombinant products, allergens, cultured human or animal cells and the potentially infectious agents these cells may contain, viroids, prions, and other infectious agents as outlined in laws, regulations, or guidelines. 

Any research or testing activity that involves the use of biohazards, recombinant DNA or when toxic/hazardous chemicals are used in a way that presents exposure to researchers or the public requires review by the ETSU IBSCSC before a hazardous chemical or biohazardous material is acquired and before the study begins. The principal investigator is directly responsible for adherence to all biosafety regulations in his/her laboratory or classroom.

In order to obtain approval for your study, complete the following steps:

1. Select and read the appropriate pages ( Recombinant DNA or Pathogens, Select Agents, and Human Cells/Tissues or Toxic/Hazardous Chemicals), then download and complete the relevant registration form.  Forms must be completed electronically, not handwritten.
   
   
   
    
2. Once you have completed the application, including all required signatures, submit it via email to IBSCSC@etsu.edu as a Word document. 
    
3. If you are using human source material (human blood, blood products, body fluids, organs, tissues, or cell lines of human origin) you need to consult the Bloodborne Pathogen Policy and schedule training through the ETSU Health and Safety Office. 
    
4. If your protocol involves the use of human subjects, you are required to submit Form 129 to the Institutional Review Board to determine any additional steps required by their office.
    
5. If your protocol involves the use of animals, you must also receive approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Follow this link for steps required for submission.
    
6. Investigators should consult the ETSU Chemical Hygiene Plan for handling procedures when using potentially hazardous chemicals.

The IBSCSC will meet every month (see schedule below). If no submissions are received by the submission deadline, that month's meeting will be cancelled. Due to the holiday breaks, November and December meetings will be combined. When planning to submit to the IBSCSC, please refer to these deadlines.

All meetings will be held over Zoom. If in-person discussions are needed, meetings will be held in Ross Hall, the Roan Scholars Conference Room, room 210 at 10:30 am.  

For additional information or to inquire about the status of your submission please contact Marvin Bowe at 423-439-6292.