Many biological organisms or substances derived from biological organisms may be hazardous to both individuals and the environment if not handled appropriately.
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 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.
| Submission deadline |
BRSC meeting date |
|---|---|
| 10th February 2012 |
24th February 2012 |
| 6th April 2012 |
20th April 2012 |
| 15th June 2012 |
29th June 2012 |
| 17th August 2012 |
31st August 2012 |
| 12th October 2012 |
26th October 2012 |
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:
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:
In accordance with the guidelines issued by the Gene Technology Regulator, the Committee shall comprise of the following members:
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.
Contact Louise Fazekas the Ethics Officer (Animal & Biosafety) for assistance with and information on operating procedures, administrative queries, legislation, policies, guidelines pertaining to your project, forms to be submitted, amendments, extensions, reporting of adverse events and complaints.
The postal address is:
Louise Fazekas
Office of Research Services
Kingswood Campus, Building K
Locked Bag 1797
Penrith NSW 2751
Australia
© University of Western Sydney 2012
Locked Bag 1797
Penrith NSW 2751
Tel: +61 2 9852 5222
ABN 53 014 069 881
CRICOS Provider No: 00917k