Inspections

The purpose of inspections is not to create a restrictive environment but rather to facilitate the implementation of a culture of biosafety among research staff, technicians and students. The objective is to facilitate the application of good practices in research or teaching activities involving the use of biohazardous materials; the maintenance of safe working conditions to eliminate/minimize the risks of exposure or release of biological agents into the environment; and to ensure good compliance with applicable legal and internal regulations.

The inspection may also be necessary as part of the requirements of certain calls for research grants or agreements that require the institution to guarantee that the laboratories are regularly inspected. It may also be necessary before receiving biological material from certain companies or institutions (e.g. ATCC, Merck, etc.), national collections or private organizations, etc. Normally, and in these cases, the biosafety officer is asked to provide a guarantee of conformity for the use and safe disposal of the BA before shipment.

On certain occasions, the UAB can be visited by inspectors from the competent authorities (DARP, MAPAMA, Department of Labor, etc.). Usually they contact the IBC to initiate an inspection but in others they can present themselves directly to the PI. In this case, it will be necessary to contact the IBC so that the biosafety officer is present during the inspection visit.

Will my laboratory be inspected?
Yes. The IBC is responsible for conducting regular facilities inspections where confined biological agent activities are carried out (e.g., laboratory, animal facilities, cell cultures labs, greenhouses, etc.). In addition, the laboratories are subject to inspection by state and local regulatory agencies.

How can I prepare for the biosafety inspection?
Be sure all laboratory personnel have completed required training and are familiar with policies and practices for the safe use and disposal of biological materials (e.g. human, animal, and plant pathogens, recombinant DNA, biological toxins). Inspection checklists (intranet) are aligned with legal and international standards requirements.