Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - If you are an employee of SA Pathology, before submitting applications to the WCHN IBC you should read these guidelines.

The IBC's responsibilities are outlined in its terms of reference. It is responsible for administering the guidelines of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) which includes monitoring and surveillance of all genetic manipulation work carried out within the precincts of WCHN. The IBC reports to the Research Board Sub-Committee quarterly and to the OGTR annually.

Membership includes people with the requisite knowledge and expertise to assess, evaluate and oversee biological work carried out at WCHN, an engineer experienced in testing biological safety facilities and equipment, and at least one lay person not associated with the Hospital. Meetings are held two monthly and protocols for consideration by the committee must be received by the secretary 21 days before the meeting. The IBC is responsible for the certification and annual inspection of PC2 containment facilities within the hospitals and for the consideration of research protocols which are generally categorised as: exempt dealings, notifiable low risk dealings, or licensed dealings, depending on the level of associated safety implications. Enquiries about the committee should be directed to the IBC Executive Officer on 8161 6390.

Click here for the IBC 2012 Meeting dates and submission deadlines.

The OGTR produces Guidelines which describe each of the categories of protocol listed below. Each application to the IBC must be accompanied by the relevant WCHN form (see below):

FACILITYApplication_EvaluationForm

EXEMPTProjectApplication_EvaluationForm

DNIRProjectApplication_EvaluationForm

NLRD Application and Assessment Form

Unsure whether your application involving viral vectors is a DNIR or NLRD? This OGTR flowchart will assist you to determine the correct classification .

Please contact the IBC Executive Officer on 8161 6390 if you have any queries when completing the above forms.  If necessary your query may be directed to an appropriate member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

Responsibility of Department Heads

Records of training

OGTR requires that all personnel (staff, students or visitors) working in an OGTR-certified facility be appropriately trained. It is the responsibility of Department Heads to ensure that relevant personnel have completed a Record of Training and to retain originals of these records and to make them available to OGTR on request.  Additionally, Department Heads or Supervisors must ensure that all laboratory staff are provided with adequate "Induction Training".

Genetically Manipulated Organisms (GMO) Storage and Transport Registers

Department Heads have a responsibility to ensure that stored GMO details are recorded on the GMO Storage Register, and that the register is made available to the IBC or OGTR on request.  Additionally, when GMOs are transported, details of this must be recorded on the GMO Transport Procedure and Record Form and the guidelines outlined on page one of the form must be followed.

Other documents of interest:

• WCHN policy Risk Management  may be accessed through the following link - http://cger.cywhs.sa.gov.au/cgu/policies/index_new_policies_procedures.jsp

• Australian Standard 2243.3.2002: Safety in laboratories–part 3: microbiological aspects and containment facilities - hard copies of this standard are not available as it should only be accessed on-line. To access the standard electronically, please contact the Research Secretariat or the WCHN Library.

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