Northern Illinois University
DeKalb IL
815-753-0404
Site Maintained by Michele Crase
Email mcrase@niu.edu
Updated 1-2008
Biological safety includes safety use of any biological agent that may be harmful to people, other animals or plants. In the laboratory the most commonly manipulated biological agents are bacteria, fungi and viruses. More recently, recombinant DNA is found in the laboratory. Any biological agent needs to be assessed as to its level of risk and then the proper level of precautions can be employed.
NIU Institutional
Biosafety Committee
Bloodborne pathogens are those organisms, which are carried in the blood
that can cause disease in humans. These organisms include HIV, Hepatitis B and
C, malaria and others. All blood is considered infectious and treated as such.
Individuals that come in contact with blood need to take special precautions to
avoid potentially contracting these diseases.
Needle Safety is a concern for everyone from the person who needs to inject needed medication to the person who is responsible for final disposal of used needles. For those on campus there is a program in which they can receive a suitable container for their used needles and pick up of full containers. These are then disposed of through the university Biowaste program.
For more information on any of the above programs please call Michele Crase at 753-9251.
