Biological Safety Manuals and Other Documents

Cornell University Biosafety Written Programs and guidance documents establish institutional biosafety practices, procedures, and expectations for the safe conduct of biological research. These documents should be used together with applicable Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approvals, laboratory- and facility-specific procedures, risk assessments, and other Cornell EHS requirements.

General laboratory safety requirements are addressed in the Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan. Requirements for personal protective equipment are addressed in the Personal Protective Equipment Written Program. Additional training, authorization, access, occupational health, and containment requirements may apply based on the biological hazards, research activities, facility, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Biosafety Level 1 and 2 Written Program

The Biosafety Level 1 and 2 Written Program establishes baseline practices, containment principles, safety equipment, and facility safeguards for research and other activities involving biological materials handled at Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) or Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2). Appropriate containment and controls are determined through risk assessment and, where applicable, IBC review and approval.

Biosafety Level 3 Written Program

The Biosafety Level 3 Written Program establishes the institutional framework for research and other activities requiring Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment. It addresses BSL-3 practices, safety equipment, facility safeguards, training, and program expectations. BSL-3 work must also be conducted in accordance with applicable IBC approvals, agent- and activity-specific risk assessments, facility-specific procedures, occupational health requirements, and other applicable regulatory requirements. Where work involves federally regulated select agents or toxins, Federal Select Agent Program requirements also apply.