Biological Safety
The purpose of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Biosafety Program is to define policies and procedures to minimize risks to personnel, facilities, and the environment resulting from the use of biological agents. The work practices, procedures and policies specified in this manual are based on current laws and guidelines from the city, state and Federal agencies and recognized good biosafety practices. Implementation of these measures will reduce the likelihood of incidents involving biological agents and will fulfill regulatory biosafety requirements.
Paula Moravek
Bio Safety Officer
Office Location: Goddard Hall 128B
Phone: x 5401
Email: pmoravek@wpi.edu
Biological Safety Current Topics
Biological Safety Manual
The goal of this manual is to provide policies and procedures that when implemented, will reduce risks to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) employees, students and the greater community from biological agents, including pathogenic organisms and derived toxins.
Select Agents and Toxins List
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified 68 biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose severe threats. To learn more, visit the Select Agents and Toxins list.
NIH Guidelines
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has guidelines to specify the biosafety practices and containment principles for constructing and handling:
- recombinant nucleic acid molecules,
- synthetic nucleic acid molecules, including those that are chemically or otherwise modified but can base pair with naturally occurring nucleic acid molecules,
- cells, organisms, and viruses containing such molecules.
To learn more about the guidelines, click the link.
Exposure Control Plan for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
WPI has an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) in the event of an occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. To familiarize yourself with the plan, please visit the Exposure Control Plan page.
Biological Safety Manual
The goal of this manual is to provide policies and procedures that when implemented, will reduce risks to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) employees, students and the greater community from biological agents, including pathogenic organisms and derived toxins.
Select Agents and Toxins List
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified 68 biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose severe threats. To learn more, visit the Select Agents and Toxins list.
NIH Guidelines
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has guidelines to specify the biosafety practices and containment principles for constructing and handling:
- recombinant nucleic acid molecules,
- synthetic nucleic acid molecules, including those that are chemically or otherwise modified but can base pair with naturally occurring nucleic acid molecules,
- cells, organisms, and viruses containing such molecules.
To learn more about the guidelines, click the link.
Exposure Control Plan for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
WPI has an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) in the event of an occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. To familiarize yourself with the plan, please visit the Exposure Control Plan page.
Biological Safety Manual
The goal of this manual is to provide policies and procedures that when implemented, will reduce risks to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) employees, students and the greater community from biological agents, including pathogenic organisms and derived toxins.