College & Department Safety Committees

Colleges and Departments form safety committees comprised of unit faculty and staff as well as staff from Risk Managent & Safety.  Committees review safety audit data, recent incidents, on-going program efffectiveness, and upcoming initiatives.  A common product from these committees is a "Safety Day" tailored to the needs of a specific department, building, or program.

These committees usually report to the Departmental Chair or College Dean and operate within their authority and areas of responsibility.

Institutional Biosafety Committee

The Institutional Biosafety Committee reviews all research projects and activities involving recombinant DNA (rDNA) and infectious materials to assure that practices are appropriate to the level of risk presented by the work. Committee members include faculty and staff with experience and expertise in various aspects of rDNA technology appointed by the Vice-President for Research. In addition, at least two voting committee members are not affiliated with the University and represent the interest of the surrounding community. Collectively, the committee has the capability to assess the safety of rDNA research and any potential risk to public health or environment.

The committee has the authority to disapprove, terminate or suspend activities not conforming with its guidelines, and to conduct inspections of laboratories.

Radiation Safety Committee

The Radiation Safety Committee is responsible for establishing policies on all matters relating to the safe handling and use of ionizing radiation. The Committee is comprised of administrators, faculty and staff appointed by the Vice-Provost. Appointees are selected from the roster of active authorized users of radiation and University administrators are appointed as ex officio members.

The committee has the authority to approve the purchase and use of radioactive materials and place irreversible restrictions on or terminate the use of radiation in a research study.