IBC Reporting

IBC and BSO Procedures for Acting On and Reporting Violations

In the event of failure to observe safety regulations and rules on the part of any University personnel, the BSO shall:

1. Inform the IBC Chair if such deficiencies are not corrected promptly.

2. If necessary, the BSO has authority to order immediate shutdown or cessation of work in any facility where it is evident that health hazards exist to the extent that continued operation would result in violation of University-adopted biosafety standards.

The Chairperson of the IBC shall report the violation to the IBC at its next regular meeting, or call a special meeting to review the violation if urgency makes it necessary. The IBC, after consideration, may:

1. Recommend mandatory remedial action to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs And Provost. Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of IBC approval of the existing project/activities.

2. Withdraw or rescind approval of the project. In the event the IBC takes such action, the project may no longer be conducted at the University until such time as corrections are made to qualify the project for reinstatement.

Appeal Procedure

Any restraining order, decision, or application disapproval by the IBC or the BSO may be appealed directly to the IBC. The staff member(s) involved in such consideration may be present at the IBC meeting and may present facts pertinent to the deliberations. A simple majority vote of the IBC is needed to uphold or reverse decisions made by the BSO or IBC.

IBC decisions may be appealed to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. Appeals must be submitted in writing with necessary supporting documentation to the IBC Chair who shall forward the appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost.

Actions/decisions by the BSO/IBC must be adhered to pending final action on the appeal.

Reporting Incidents

It shall be mandatory for University personnel involved in or knowledgeable about incidents to immediately report such to the BSO. In the event the BSO is unavailable, the incident shall be reported to the IBC Chair. In the absence of the IBC Chair, the incident shall be reported to a faculty member of the IBC (list of current members available in the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School). All persons listed above shall have the authority to evacuate and close down rooms, buildings, or any affected areas if an incident warrants such action.

The affected areas shall remain closed until the BSO is available to direct cleanup and/or decontamination procedures. The BSO and the IBC will determine when and under what conditions a research facility may be reopened following an incident. Written notification to that effect will be sent to the principle investigator/facility supervisor and copied to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost.