Biological

Many of the research programs at UNSW use a variety of biological agents (human, animal, plants, insects, and micro-organisms, whole or part and their by-products).  All work with biological agents, has specific safety and containment requirements for the management
of associated hazards.

The UNSW Biosafety Procedure is used to help ensure a structured system for protecting
the health and safety of people, and for protecting the environment from risks posed by
biological hazards.  It includes the practical requirements for working safely in Physical Containment (PC) facilities, particularly PC2 Facilities.

All UNSW research and teaching that involve biological hazards must comply with specific requirements in the Biosafety Procedure.  Further information can be found in Documents and Resources.

  • If you will be working in a Physical Containment level 2 facility (PC2), you are required to complete Biosafety/PC2 awareness training to highlight the hazards and risk controls for these facilities.  General UNSW Biosafety/PC2 awareness training is available, and you need to receive the biosafety training unless you can show evidence of related training to your supervisor. Registration is through myUNSW.  After receiving training, you will still need to receive adequate supervision while working in the facility until you are deemed competent for your tasks.  Laboratory Safety Awareness training is also required.
  • The UNSW Gene Technology for researchers training is needed if you are working in an OGTR-certified PC1 or PC2 facility irrespective of whether you are working with genetically modified organisms and materials.  It is legislated that you receive Behavioural Requirements information described in the guidelines for the certification of PC1 and PC2 facilities.Please register for these sessions through myUNSW. 
  • These training sessions do not replace on-the-job training and instruction which is specific to the laboratory in which you are working.

For advice and assistance relating to biosafety, biological organisms, associated training and containment facilities, contact the HS Coordinator (Biosafety),HS Unit, [Kate Noble, ph: 9385 2911 ]