Last Call! May 17, 2018 MABioN Webinar – “IMPLEMENTATION OF A BSL2 RECOGNITION PROGRAM AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY”
The oversight of Biological Safety Level 2 (BSL2) presents a number of challenges in research safety management in many large research institutions. The reasons for this may vary but are often some combination of lax oversight by the Principal Investigator, disorganization, poor housekeeping and the haphazard use of Personal Protective Equipment. On the other hand, there are some extraordinarily well managed BSL2 labs that deserve special recognition and dispensation for their efforts.
At Northwestern University, our BSL2 Recognition Program both encourages and recognizes those labs that demonstrate and maintenance of a culture of safety and responsibility.
Specifically, the Recognition Program:
- Ensures the safety of laboratory workers, support staff and the community.
- Assists laboratories in maintaining compliance with applicable NIH, OSHA, CDC, and EPA regulations as well as other relevant State and Local agencies (as applicable).
- Reinforces and rewards a positive working relationship between the Office for Research Safety (ORS) and individual laboratories.
- Grants special dispensation to accredited laboratories in the form of rewards and incentives including recognition, rewards and less frequent inspections.