Policies & Compliance
- Research Conduct
- Combatting Human Trafficking
- Federal Disclosure Requirements
- Research Handbook
- 1. Roles & Responsibilities
- 2. Standards for Conduct of Research
- 3. Overview of Sponsored Projects Administration
- 4. Funding Sources & Opportunities
- 5. Proposal Development
- 6. Budget Development
- 7. Procedures for the Submission of Proposals
- 8. Award Acceptance
- 9. Award Management
- 10. Research Related Regulations, Policies & Procedures
- 11. Other Conduct of Research Issues
- 12. Acronyms & Definitions
- 13. Glossary
- Procedure Library
- Regulations Library
Research Related Regulations, Policies & Procedures
10.2 Safety
The University is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for research, teaching, and service activities. The University's Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for interpreting and implementing applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to occupational and environmental health and safety.
EHS provides guidance, training, monitoring, and technical support to University operations and advises University leadership on environmental health and safety risks, compliance obligations, and best practices.
10.2.1 Biological Safety
Principal Investigators (PIs) are responsible for ensuring compliance with University biological safety and requirements for research involving biological agents and biological materials, including but not limited to:
- Microorganisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, protozoa, parasites, and prions);
- Biological toxins;
- Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules;
- Human blood, body fluids, tissues, or cells; and
- Animal and human cell cultures.
These requirements apply to all University of Utah research conducted on campus, at University-affiliated facilities, or at approved off-campus locations. All faculty, staff, trainees, students, and visiting researchers must comply with applicable biological safety policies and procedures.
Principal Investigator Responsibilities
PIs are responsible for:
- Obtaining approval from the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) before initiating recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid research;
- Registering potentially infectious agents with Environmental Health and Safety;
- Developing, maintaining, and annually reviewing laboratory-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs), including exposure control plans as required;
- Ensuring that all laboratory personnel receive appropriate biosafety training and follow established procedures;
- Conducting regular self-assessments of laboratory compliance with biosafety standards;
- Enforcing compliance with approved University policies and IBC-approved protocols;
- Encouraging personnel to report changes in health status when there is a potential occupational exposure concern;
- Notifying the IBC, IRB, IACUC, and EHS of any significant changes to approved protocols involving biological agents or toxins; and
- Complying with all applicable shipping and transport requirements for biohazardous materials and biological toxins.
Responsibilities of Laboratory Personnel and Trainees
Researchers, technical staff, and students are responsible for:
- Following approved biosafety policies, SOPs, and training requirements;
- Promptly reporting unsafe conditions or practices to their supervisor or PI;
- Reporting work-related health concerns or potential exposures to their supervisor; and
- Reporting biological spills, exposures, or incidents immediately in accordance with University procedures.
10.2.2 Radiation Safety
The University's Radiation Safety Office oversees the use of all radioactive material and ionizing radiation-producing devices in accordance with federal and state regulations and the University's broad scope radioactive materials license issued by the State of Utah.
Radiation Safety provides:
- Oversight of radiation-use authorization and compliance;
- Periodic laboratory and facility surveys;
- Program audits;
- Training and technical support; and
- Consultation services for research, teaching, clinical, and support activities involving radiation sources.
The Radiation Safety Policy Manual, together with required training materials, establishes the University's official policies and procedures governing the use and control of ionizing radiation. These documents define the responsibilities of individuals and departments, outline required safety practices, and specify mandatory controls for radiation protection.
Additional requirements and procedures may be developed and enforced as necessary to ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards and the University's radiation-safety program.
