Report of the Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / the Committee.

  • United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee.
Date:
1987
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / the Committee. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    II-A-3. When experimental microorganisms are pres- ent in the greenhouse, a hazard warning sign incorporat- ing the universal biohazard symbol is posted on all access doors. II-A-4. Materials containing experimental microor- ganisms that are brought into or are to be removed from the greenhouse in a viable or intact state are transferred in a closed nonbreakable container. A log is kept of viable or intact experimental material entering and leaving the greenhouse. II-A-5. Experimental microorganisms, including those in or on plants and soil/potting material, must be ren- dered non-viable before disposal. Methods for rendering experimental microorganisms are determined by the prin- cipal investigator, based on the nature of the microorgan- isms that are being used. II-A-6. Water that comes in contact with experimen- tal material treated with microorganisms (e.g., runoff from watering plants) is collected and allowed to evap- orate or is chemically treated such that release of the ex- perimental microorganism from the greenhouse is minimized. II-A-7. Standard microbiological procedures are fol- lowed for decontamination of contaminated equipment and supplies. Spray or liquid waste or rinse water from containers used to apply the experimental microorgan- ism shall be decontaminated before disposal. II-A-8. All procedures are performed carefully to minimize the creation of aerosols and excessive splashing of potting material/soil during the watering process, transplanting, etc. Treatment of plants (e.g., spraying) with experimental microorganisms is conducted within an enclosure designed to minimize dispersal of the ex- perimental microorganisms. Treated plants are kept in the enclosure for a sufficient period of time after treatment to allow for settlement of aerosols. II-A-9. Coats, gowns, smocks or uniforms and shoe covers are worn in the greenhouse. Before leaving the greenhouse this exterior clothing is removed and left in the greenhouse. II-A-10. Persons wash their hands upon exiting the greenhouse. I]J-A-I1. Written records of accidents involving inadver- tent release or spills of experimental microorganisms are prepared and maintained. IJ-A-12. Insects or other macroorganisms used in con- junction with experiments requiring GH 2 level physical containment shall be housed in appropriate cages. If macroorganisms (e.g., flying insects) are released within the greenhouse at large, precautions are taken to minimize escape from the facility. II-A-13. A program is utilized to control undesired pests and pathogens, in accordance with local ordinances, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Plant Pest Act, and the Noxious Weed Act. Par- ticular attention is given to control of flying insects. Report of the Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee « Il-A-14. Experimental microorganisms assigned to a containment level lower than GH 2 may be tested in a GH 2 greenhouse concurrently with microorganisms as- signed to GH 2 provided that the tests are conducted in accordance with GH 2 greenhouse practices. When the experimental microorganisms in use require a contain- ment level lower than GH 2, greenhouse practices will reflect the level of containment required by the highest containment level microorganism being tested. II-B. Greenhouse Facilities. II-B-1. Ata minimum, the greenhouse shall consist of a permanent structure with a continuous covering, lo- cated ona site graded to prevent entry of surface runoff, having self-closing lockable doors. II-B-2. Passage through two sets of doors is the basic requirement for entry into the greenhouse from the out- doors. The actual greenhouse door must be lockable. II-B-3. Each greenhouse contains a facility for hand- washing. II-B-4. An autoclave for decontaminating greenhouse materials is available. II-B-5. Any windows and vents that open are fitted with No. 30 mesh (or finer) fly screens. II-B-6. If intake fans are to be used, then measures must be taken to minimize the ingress of insects. Louvers on fans shall be controlled so as not to open unless the fan is in operation. IIT. Greenhouse Level 3 (GH 3). III-A. Greenhouse practices. IIJ-A-1. Only persons whose presence in the green- house is required for program or support purposes are authorized to enter. The principal investigator has the final responsibility for assessing each circumstance and determining who may enter or work in the greenhouse during experiments. III-A-2. A greenhouse operational procedures manual is prepared or adopted. The manual shall include con- tingency plans to be implemented in the event of a loss of containment. Personnel are required to read instruc- tions on practices and procedures and to follow them. Per- sonnel are also advised of potential consequences of releasing experimental microorganisms to the environ- ment. III-A-3. When experimental microorganisms are pres- ent in the greenhouse, a hazard warning sign incor- porating the universal biohazard symbol is posted on all access doors. The sign identifies the microorganisms, lists the name of the principal investigator, greenhouse direc- tor, or other responsible person(s), and indicates any special requirements for entering the area. III-A-4. Experimental materials to be brought into or to be removed from the greenhouse in a viable or intact state are transferred to a non-breakable, sealed primary container and then enclosed in a non-breakable, sealed secondary container which is removed from the facility