Annual Inspections
Annual IBC Inspections are performed yearly by members of the IBC. Inspections are conducted in accordance with requirements stated in the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 6th edition and the USA Biosafety Manual. Annual inspections ensure that BSL-2, ABSL-2, BSL-3, and ABSL-3 laboratories follow the practices and guidelines set forth by federal regulations and institutional policies. Annual Inspections occur each December.
- At least two (2) voting members of the IBC conduct inspections.
- Investigators and/or lab personnel are notified by the IBC office at least a month before the inspections. Investigators and their designated staff are sent at four (4) separate emails.
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- The first email informs PIs and their research personnel about Annual IBC Inspections approaching,
and that each PI will be contacted in a few weeks’ details about preparation.
- The second email this email provides a list of protocol (s), room numbers, and personnel to the Investigator. The
email allows the PI to update any necessary information with the IBC office.
- The third email (2 weeks before inspection)once committee teams, dates, and times are established, each department is emailed
that information. Investigators and/or their designated staff members are asked to
set aside a minimum of 2 hours for inspections.
- The fourth email (2 days before inspections) is a courtesy reminder of the date and time of their scheduled inspection.
- The first email informs PIs and their research personnel about Annual IBC Inspections approaching,
and that each PI will be contacted in a few weeks’ details about preparation.
- Some things to expect during inspections but not limited to are observations for biohazard
signage, if equipment is tagged with biohazard stickers, autoclave records, eyewash
records, ECP training records, liquid waste log records, training records, an up-to-date
copy of the Biosafety. Inspection teams will observe and have an interactive dialog
with the Investigator and/or their designated lab personnel during inspections.
- Post-inspection, Investigators are emailed results from inspections within a week
of their inspection. Investigators with minor or significant findings are given ten
(10) days to respond with a corrective action plan (CAP) regarding minor and/or significant
deficiencies. The IBC office will follow up with the Investigator’s lab until all
deficiencies have been addressed.
- The IBC committee meets to discuss inspection outcomes. Reporting results allows the IBC to assess that the appropriate practices and procedures are in place for all registered work.
Download the laboratory inspection checklists below for preparation for annual inspections.
Laboratory Inspection Checklists [download links]