Biosafety and Radiation Safety

Many biological organisms or substances derived from biological organisms may be hazardous to both individuals and the environment if not handled appropriately.

Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committee

The UWS Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committee (BRSC) has been established to monitor research and teaching proposals involving the use of micro-organisms of Risk Group 2 or higher, in vivo use of imported biological products, specimens of human origin (including blood products), recombinant DNA and ionising radiation sources.

Researchers must ensure their work complies with correct laboratory procedures for dealing with biological products. Guidelines issued by the Office of the Gene technology Regulator (OGTR) outline the requirements for working with genetically altered material and provides detail about containment facilities that may be necessary. Australian Standard AS 2243.3 Safety in the laboratory - Microbiology (opens in a new window) details safe work practices and classification of micro-organisms by risk groups.

When work involves the use of animals and there are potential biohazards (e.g. in vivo use of imported biological products) both the Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC) and the Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committee (BRSC) must review the proposal.

Meeting date and submission deadline

Submission deadline
 BRSC meeting date
8 February 2013
 22 February 2013
5 April 2013
 19 April 2013
14 June 2013
 27 June 2013
9 August 2013
 22 August 2013
11 October 2013
 24 October 2013

Application and report forms

Use this Biological and Radiation Safety Research or Teaching application form (Word, 197Kb) for permission to carry out teaching or research activities involving the use of: human blood, tissues or other biological materials; recombinant DNA; ionising radiation sources; or other activities with significant biosafety hazard.

Report Forms:

Legislation and guidelines

BRSC Terms of Reference

The UWS Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committee (BRSC) has been established to monitor research and teaching proposals involving the use of micro-organisms of Risk Group 2 or higher, in vivo use of imported biological products, specimens of human origin (including blood products), recombinant DNA and ionising radiation sources.

The UWS BRSC will:

  • advise the Vice Chancellor and monitor compliance on matters of biological and radiation safety within the University;
  • assess and monitor teaching and research proposals associated with the use of recombinant DNA, specimens of human origin, potential pathogenic organisms, ionising radiation sources and imported biological materials in accordance with the statutory requirements;
  • monitor compliance with Gene Technology Act, Radiation Control Act, Gene Technology Regulations and Radiation Control Regulations as they apply to the University;
  • recommend guidelines for safe work practices and procedures when storing, using, transporting or disposing of biological and radioactive products;
  • provide institutional clearance for teaching and research applications as required;
  • inspect all physical containment facilities (PC 2 and above) annually and assist with their certification in accordance with the Gene Technology Regulations requirements;
  • monitor radiation laboratories and the work conducted therein comply with statutory requirements, guidelines and codes of practice;
  • maintain a central register of all approved experimental protocols and researchers using any particular physical containment facilities or AQIS approved premises or imported biological material;
  • recommend appropriate training is provided for personnel using radioactive materials and apparatus;
  • promote educational activities to ensure staff and students are familiar with correct laboratory practices with regard to biosafety and radiation safety and to provide current information for inquiries regarding biological and radiation safety matters;
  • review the results of personal monitoring programs for radiation work and review the investigation of any accidents relating to biosafety and radiation;
  • maintain liaison with extramural organisations concerned with biological and radiation safety;
  • report annually to the Vice Chancellor through the PVC(R).
Membership of the Committee

In accordance with the guidelines issued by the Gene Technology Regulator, the Committee shall comprise of the following members:

  • A senior academic with expertise in the field of molecular biology or microbiology appointed as Chair by the Vice Chancellor;
  • A deputy Chair appointed by the Vice Chancellor from the following categories;
  • O H & S Officer;
  • Radiation Safety Officer;
  • At least one person experienced in handling pathogenic micro-organisms;
  • At least one person experienced with the techniques and concepts of recombinant DNA research;
  • An animal physiologist experienced in clinical handling of biological materials, techniques for agricultural and experimental animal handling;
  • Technical staff representatives;
  • An engineer with expertise in testing biological safety facilities and equipment;
  • A lay person, not associated with the institution, who is in a position to consider the wider community interests;

An appointed member shall hold office for a term of two years and upon retirement, shall be eligible for re-appointment.

The Vice Chancellor may appoint a person to fill a casual vacancy in the membership of the Committee and such a person shall serve the unexpired term of the predecessor’s appointment.

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