Institutional Biosafety Committee

Purpose

The IBC ensures the safe and responsible conduct of research involving recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecules, synthetic nucleic acids, and other potentially biohazardous materials within Mount Holyoke College. The committee is charged with ensuring compliance of biological research at the College with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines), Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), the Town of South Hadley’s Board of Public Health, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Sanitary Code Chapter VIII (105 CMR 480).

Activities, duties and responsibilities

The IBC shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Review and Approval: Conduct initial and ongoing reviews of research protocols involving rDNA and biohazardous materials to assess their compliance with the NIH Guidelines and other relevant safety regulations. The Committee will also review and approve policies and procedures for the treatment and management of medical/biological waste in accord with 105 CMR 480.200 (F) in consultation with the office of Environmental Health and Safety.
2. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Evaluate the potential risks associated with research involving rDNA and biohazardous materials and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures to ensure the safety of personnel, the public, and the environment.
3. Reporting and Compliance: Maintain records of all IBC activities, including minutes of meetings, protocols reviewed, and actions taken.

Membership requirements

The IBC shall be composed of members with varying backgrounds such that the collective body has: (i) expertise in biological laboratory work (with rDNA, rDNA organisms, biological agents and toxins as appropriate); (ii) expert knowledge and experience regarding safety (chemical and biological containment practices, selection of appropriate personal protective equipment, emergency response protocols and environmental protection); (iii) knowledge of appropriate laws and institutional policies and practices; and (iv) awareness of community attitudes. The body of the IBC shall meet the following requirements:

• The IBC must have at least five members.
• Two members must be faculty researchers at the college. Any principal investigator engaged in research subject to IBC oversight meets this qualification.
• Two members must not be affiliated with the College. These members must represent the interests of the community.
• One member must be a representative of the Environmental Health and Safety office.
• The Chair of the IBC will be appointed by the Provost. Other members will be appointed by the Provost after consultation with the Chair.
• Ad hoc consultants or additional members may be appointed by the chair as appropriate to provide necessary expertise (particularly in the areas of animal or plant research) in accord with section IV-B-2-a-(1) of the NIH Guidelines.