Line management and researchers are expected to define their work with biological materials, evaluate the biological risks, and implement the required biosafety containment controls.  This is accomplished with the assistance and oversight of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Environment, Health, and Safety Division (EHS), and other Berkeley Lab EHS functions.  The Work Planning and Control Activity Manager system is used to facilitate and document the above process and ensure compliance. 

An approved WPC Activity is required for all types of biological work including animal work. 

Biological work involving the following material requires IBC approval: 

• Recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid

• Risk Group 2 or higher pathogens (No Select Agents and Toxins allowed)

• Biological toxins

• Animal and plant pathogens

Biological work involving the following material requires at least Biosafety staff approval: 

• Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) including human cell lines

• Environmental Isolates

• Opportunistic pathogens

Resources

Biological Work WPC Activity Template

Recombinant Techniques and Categorization Form