Biosafety is concerned with the control of hazards presented by bloodborne pathogens, infectious and/or pathogenic material, and waste.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers have an Exposure Control Plan to document how pathogenic hazards will be identified, how employees will be protected, and how they will be trained. The University developed an Exposure Control Plan in August of 1993. It is the department's responsibility to ensure that the health and safety needs of their employees are met. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) will assist departments in the various aspects of the program.
Potentially infectious medical waste shall be defined as any human blood, tissue, or bodily fluids that may contain organisms that could be pathogenic to humans. It also includes used sharps, scalpels, needles, syringes, etc. used in medical services or research. Each department is responsible for managing its infectious waste. The OEHS can assist departments in assuring waste is managed according to regulation. The infectious waste program is incorporated into the Exposure Control Plan. Contact the OEHS if a department needs infectious waste picked up for disposal.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan is required under the Illinois Department of Labor worker protection rules. These regulations cover the employees of the University that work in laboratories (Biology, Chemistry, Art, Instructional Technology, Agriculture, etc.). Each laboratory area or department must have a written Chemical Hygiene Plan and a Chemical Hygiene Officer to oversee the plan. The OEHS will assist departments with incorporating relevant aspects. The OEHS has developed a model Chemical Hygiene Plan to aid departments in developing their own program.
Policy Owner: Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Contact: Office of Environmental Health and Safety (309-438-8325)
Revised on: 05/2001
