The University is committed to providing a safe and healthful learning, teaching and research environment. The goals of the University's biological safety program are to:
The Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS ) under the direction of the University's Institutional Biosafety Committee and The Office of the Vice Provost for Research developed the University of Pennsylvania Biological Safety Manual. The manual provides university-wide safety guidelines for those working with biohazards. It outlines general policies and procedures for using and disposing of infectious or potentially infectious materials. Federal and state guidelines and regulations mandate these practices.
Biological safety practices and procedures in all University laboratories must comply with those outlined in this manual. Principal investigators (PIs) or laboratory supervisors must contact the Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety by phone (215-898-4453) or email, if they are uncertain how to categorize, handle, store, treat or discard any biologically derived material.