Reporting Biosafety Incidents

Reporting laboratory incidents involving biohazardous materials in a timely manner is a critical part of the research process, and it’s required by both the National Institutes of Health guidelines and University of Rhode Island policies. Incident reports help to protect the health and safety of researchers, lab staff, university employees, and the general public and are key to assessing the essential training and resource needs of the university. 

Reportable Incidents 

Any injury or release involving a biohazardous material must be reported. This can include, but is not limited to: 

  • Needlesticks 
  • Exposure to eyes, nose, or mouth 
  • Exposure to open wounds, cuts, or scratches 
  • Bites / scratches from infected animals 
  • Bites / scratches from animals to whom r/sDNA has been introduced 
  • Release or loss of transgenic plants, animals, or materials 

Immediate Actions 

In case of an injury involving biohazardous materials: 

  • For splashes to eyes, flush eyes with water at eyewash for 10 minutes. 
  • For needlesticks, cuts, scratches, animal bites, wash the area with soap and water for 10 minutes. 
  • Perform first aid, if applicable. 
  • Notify your supervisor. 
  • Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible after an exposure by calling the URI emergency number: 401-874-2121. 

In case of a release, loss, or spill of biohazardous materials: 

  • For small spills (<100 mL or within biosafety cabinet), clean up the spill per the lab protocol. 
  • For large spills (>100 mL or outside of biosafety cabinet or laboratory), contact EH&S (401-874-7993) immediately for assistance with clean-up.  
  • Contact the Institutional Biosafety Officer (mdyer@uri.edu or 401-874-7019) to report theft or breach in containment of biohazardous materials. 

Reporting Instructions 

After completing the immediate actions, all incidents involving biohazardous materials must be reported to EH&S via the URI Injury/Illness/Exposure Report Form within 24 hours of occurrence. Reports may be submitted by investigators, staff, and students.  

Guidance 

Contact the Institutional Biosafety Officer (mdyer@uri.edu or 401-874-7019) or the Office of Research Integrity (researchintegrity@etal.uri.edu or 401-874-4328) if you need assistance.