Frequently Asked Questions

If my biosafety cabinet, laminar flow hood, or clean bench is not working properly, needs to be decontaminated, or needs (re)certification, who should I contact?

You can reach out to the Biosafety Office for guidance, but some of the usual vendors that service our campus include:
- ENV Services: 1-800-617-3368 or 1-800-345-6094
- Med Rep Technologies, Inc: 941-627-8858
- MTA USA: 877-569-8886
It's important that you be prepared to provide the unit's location and room number, the manufacturer, the model number, and the serial number if you can locate it. Be prepared to describe what seems to not be working or why the unit needs to be decontaminated.
- Note that after a unit is repaired, it will likely need to be recertified to ensure it’s working as designed.

Can I relocate my BSC to another lab space?

In order to move a BSC, the cabinet must first be decontaminated by a certified vendor to ensure no biological agents are released during transport. After decontamination, it must be recertified once installed to ensure its working as designed. When planning your equipment’s move contact the Biosafety Office. Labs are responsible for arranging the movement of cabinets with University Facilities Management. If the cabinet is destined for surplus, please remove biohazard stickers after the cabinet has been fully decontaminated by vendor services and contact surplus for pick-up.

Why can't I use an open flame in a BSC?

There are several reasons why this practice is prohibited:
- The flame itself creates turbulence within the BSC which will disrupt the airflow inside the unit causing convection rather than intended laminar air flow patterns. Laminar air patterns maintain both a clean work environment and protect your health from what you’re working with.
- Cabinets are not designed for high heat; heat that can disrupt electrical equipment within the unit itself and grossly damage the HEPA filter leading to a loss of containment.
- Most BSCs recirculate a percentage of air, so were the flame to go out, flammable gas would collect within the cabinet and reach explosive concentrations.
This policy is in accordance with recommendations from numerous agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and major biosafety cabinet manufacturers themselves.

Do I need to autoclave my biological waste first before having it picked up?

Solid, non-sharp biohazard waste from BSL-1 labs and BSL-2 labs may be disposed of directly into biohazard waste boxes lined with red biohazard bags. These boxes are decontaminated offsite via incineration.

My autoclave is not working. What should I do?

A trained vendor will need to inspect the unit to determine what work must be performed to get the unit back up and running. Be prepared to provide the location of the unit and be able to describe the problem it’s experiencing, if known.
The person responsible for maintenance of the autoclave will be responsible for ordering in the work. The Biosafety Office can assist in finding responsible persons if needed, and assisting in coordinating a repair by request.

Can sharps go in a regular box lined with a red bag?

Absolutely not. Sharps must be disposed in a hard-walled sharps container that meets OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards for puncture resistance and is leakproof on the sides and the bottom of the container.
- Please see the Florida DOH Biomedical Waste Statute for more information: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/biomedical-waste/_documents/64E-16.pdf

What EHS trainings do I need to take and how frequently?

The trainings that are required vary based on what materials you're working with, and all courses require a refresher periodically. See the Biosafety Training page for more details. To summarize some of the EHS offered trainings though:
- Biosafety: every 3 years
- Bloodborne Pathogens: annually
- Recombinant DNA: every 3 years
- Shipping of Dangerous Goods: every 2 years
- Laboratory Safety: every 5 years
- Biohazardous Waste Disposal: annually
- Fire Safety: annually
- Laser Safety: annually

While filling out an IBC application, how do I classify my IBC protocol?

Go to Section III of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Moleculesto determine what category your work falls under. If you need assistance, contact the Biosafety Officer.

I'm a non-UM-affiliated student/employee/researcher/visitor, and am required to take biosafety trainings. How do I sign up for these trainings?

Reach out to the Biosafety Office for assistance with enrolling in an upcoming session.

Does Biosafety provide sharps bins?

Labs may purchase these from any lab supply company.

I ship hazardous materials, including infectious or recombinant agents. What do I need to do?

Strict government regulations must be followed when transporting hazardous materials, such as chemicals, biologicals, preservatives such as dry ice, and radioactive materials. Failing to ship properly can result in fines for you, fines for the university, and potential criminal charges. All individuals who ship hazardous materials must undertake EHS provided training.
Please reach out to the Biosafety Office for further guidance. We can guide you on signing up for training and helping you ensure your materials are shipped out responsibly and safely.
For more information, please see our shipping page.

I am new to the lab, now what?

Before working in the lab it’s important that all new lab personnel first get all required vaccinations and fit tested by Occupational Health.
It is also essential that the new lab member be amended onto existing protocol approvals, if applicable, as well as complete all EHS trainings. If you need access to a training, contact the EHS office either at 305-243-3269 or at biosafety@miami.edu.

My fume hood isn’t working. What do I do?

Stop all experimentation in the fume hood. Place a sign on the fume hood stating, “Not working. Do not use.” Contact the EHS office either at 305-243-3269 or at biosafety@miami.edu so a work order may be placed.

My lab / the lab next door / the building smells of chemicals. What do I do?

Contact the hazardous waste team at 305-243-3268 or ehschemicalwaste@med.miami.edu. You can also reference the green Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) sign and use the contact information.

Where do I get new posters, such as new Emergency Contact / BSL-2 / Satellite Accumulation Area / No food signs?

Check the Biosafety Resources page to see if the sign you’re looking for is available for immediate download.
We often keep signs printed on high quality paper and are happy to share it to labs in need. Please feel free to reach out to the Biosafety Office, or call us at 305-243-3269.

Who do I call to pick up solid biohazardous waste?

The Biosafety Office does not coordinate the removal of waste. Please reach out to the Hazardous Materials Office at EHS for questions regarding the pick-up of biohazardous waste.

How do I dispose of waste chemicals or I have chemicals in my lab that are not mine. How do I get rid of them?

On the Hazardous Materials page, submit the Chemical Waste Disposal Form, and contact the hazardous waste team at 305-243-3268 or ehschemicalwaste@med.miami.edu.

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