Biosafety Manual Updates
The 2025 edition of the UW Biosafety Manual is available for download. The updated information covers hazards associated with the use of biohazardous agents and recombinant or synthetic DNA/RNA (rDNA) molecules, regulatory and permitting changes, inspections, shipping biohazards, new safety guidance, among other changes. All updates to the UW Biosafety Manual are listed in the log of changes.
The major changes for the 2025 version are:
- Section 1: Updated regulatory and permitting information
- U.S. Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP)
- Framework for Synthetic Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Import Permit Program
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Permits
- Section 2.A.3: Added information about the biosafety lab inspection process
- Section 2.B: Added gene drive modified organisms (GDMOs)
- Section 3.F: Added information and link to Proteopathic Seeds Safety Policy
- Section 4 Additions:
- Guidance about two people working in a biosafety cabinet simultaneously
- Guidance about UV light use in a biosafety cabinet
- Expanded cell-sorting aerosol management and safety information
- Safety information about microscope use and laser safety reference
- Safe use of Bunsen burners and flames
- Expanded lab-specific biosafety training information
- Laboratory exit procedures
- Arthropod research guidance
- Shipping and receiving biological materials
- Section 5.B.2: Added Principal Investigator (PI) responsibility to communicate hazards to animal research facilities
- Section 6.B.4: Adding information about incident investigations
- Appendix C: Biohazard Transport Policy appendix moved to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) website at Biohazard Transport Policy
The UW Biosafety Manual provides personnel at the UW with information that is necessary to protect them and the surrounding community from possible hazards associated with the use of biohazardous agents and recombinant or synthetic DNA/RNA (rDNA) molecules.
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Application Updates
The 2025 updates to the BUA Application were made to align with new federal policies. Older versions of the application will not be accepted after July 1, 2025.
The updates include:
- Q33 and Q34: Added the required PI self-assessment for select agents or toxins.
- Q82: Added question about prion-like proteins (PLPs) or proteopathic seeds.
- Q85: Added link to “particularly hazardous substances” and removed question to list hazardous substances.
- Q95: Added acknowledgement that the DURC-PEPP Policy may apply to research.
A BUA is required for research involving biohazards including recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids. Review the IBC's definition of a biohazard below. If your research involves biohazards as defined for in vitro lab work or administration to animals or plants, then a BUA is required. For more information and to access BUA application documents, visit the Biological Research Approval webpage.
Contact
For biosafety questions or assistance, contact EH&S Biosafety at ehsbio@uw.edu or 206-221-7770.