Phone numbers and contacts
Spills procedures
Reporting an unintentional release of a GMO
Disinfectants - The perfect match for your bug
Security Sensitive Biological Agents- What to do if you suspect the use of an SSBA
Handy HintTo determine the risk rating of a wild-type microorganism or cell line, refer to the ABSA Risk Group Database or the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet. |
Here is a list of some common sources of
biologically hazardous materials.
Not all biological material is hazardous.
Projects Involving Biological Material Checklist
If, after completion of the Checklist, a potential biological hazard is identified, line managers should submit an application to the IBC.
Biological hazardous material is defined as organic substances that pose a threat to the health of humans and other living organisms. Biological hazards include pathogenic microorganisms, viruses, toxins (from biological sources), spores, fungi and bio-active substances. Biological hazards can also be considered to include biological vectors or transmitters of disease.
Instititional Biosafety Committee assessment is required before hazardous biological material is used.
Biological Hazard Application Form |
To add personnel or facilities or make other modifications to an approved dealing, submit a
Amendment Application Form |
After obtaining signature(s) of Lab Manager/Coordinator(s), send forms to IBC biosafety@unisa.edu.au.
Work involving Hazardous Biological Material must be risk assessed by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) prior to commencing teaching or research.
Use of genetically modified organisms requires IBC approval before project commencement. Details and application forms can be found on the
For Biosafety Officer approval to establish an account with ATCC, email biosafety@unisa.edu.au with the:
Before signing, the Biosafety Officer will check that appropriate facilities and risk management strategies are in place.
When working with biologicals, it is important that we don't over estimate our biosafety knowledge and underestimate the risks. Biosafety training is important in avoiding those pitfalls and keeping you and your colleagues safe.
Completion of the online Biosafety 1 training module and laboratory induction are compulsory for all new staff and research students wishing to work with biological material.
It is the responsibility of Research Leaders and Facility Managers to ensure they and the staff and students directly under their supervision, are adequately trained to manage hazardous biological material and GMOs.
Training should include:
UniSA Research Office and the IBC offer training program support. For support and further information contact: biosafety@unisa.edu.au.
Whether biological goods are transferred internationally, interstate or just next door there are a number of items to organise. For details see the Biosecurity webpages.
University’s biosafety management system and regulatory requirements for working with infectious microorganisms and genetically modified organisms.
Electronic copies can be accessed through the UniSA Library.
Recommended way to find the Standards:
Important Note: There are no facilities within South Australia currently available to undertake research using SSBAs.
For Biological Hazards applications involving the use of Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBA), please check the SSBA website (Department of Health), and SSBA newsletters (published monthly).
National Health Security Regulations 2018
National Health Security Act 2007
Controls are placed on biological material which can be used for military purposes. Export restrictions include not only the export of physical (tangible) goods and technology, but also the supply, publication or brokering of controlled technology by electronic or other non-physical (intangible) means. For further information and a self-assessment tool see our Defence Export Controls webpage.
Staff and Research Degree Students who handle human or animal blood, tissue, excrement or body fluids, soil, unaged compost, pathogenic bacteria, prions, parasites or viruses are often at risk of occupational exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases. Personnel considered at high risk are those in direct physical contact, contact with contaminated surfaces/equipment or exposed to infection by the respiratory route.
Immunisation is available to staff and Research Degree Students. The Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Guidelines (260kb) provides information on current recommended vaccinations and procedures.
Research Group Leaders must conduct a risk assessment as part of their IBC application to use biologicals. The IBC will recommend vaccinations to be undertaken.
Vaccination is also available for technical and professional staff at risk of occupational exposure to vaccine preventable diseases. Line Managers should complete a Technical and Professional Staff Risk Assessment Form to determine the need for vaccination of technical and professional staff.
Staff and Research Degree students requiring vaccination should be given a vaccination form to take to either the UniSA Health Medical Clinic or GP. Personnel will return the completed form to their Line Manager for record keeping on the secure University servers.
Cost of vaccination can be charged directly to either Academic Unit, Institute, Centre, Portfolio or research project funding, through a UniSA Health Medical Clinic. To claim on this system a fs32 form must be completed and submitted to the UniSA Health Medical Clinic. Personnel may use their own General Practioner or Travel Doctor and then seek reimbursement through their Research Group Leader or Facility Manager.
A schematic representation of processes (600kb) is available. Further information is available through the Biosafety Officer, biosafety@unisa.edu.au.
Members of the Institutional Biosafety Committee register their personal interests which may be perceived by others to conflict with their unbiased assessment of applications. Conflicted members do not read or vote on applications or matters with which they are conflicted.
Applicants are welcome to discuss any concerns about conflicts of interest and request that a specific IBC member not review a matter, by contacting the Executive Officer biosafety@unisa.edu.au.
Have you witnessed a supervisor encouraging unsafe biosafety practises?
Have you seen a colleague engaging in unsafe practices?
Are you concerned that the personal protective equipment is inadequate to provide safety?
Are you concerned about a potential misuse or dangerous modification of a genetically modified organism?
For any of these situations or others of concern, we invite you to contact the Biosafety Officer, biosafety@unisa.edu.au, or the Manager of Research Integrity, researchintegrity@unisa.edu.au.
Your name and personal details will not be revealed to anyone, including the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
