Storage of Risk Group 2 Biological Materials

A system for the classification of human and animal infectious agents and biotoxins is outlined in several standard references (NIH Guidelines, WHO, Canadian Biosafety). Classifications are based on the hazards these materials may pose to healthy, immunocompetent individuals in the laboratory as well as the surrounding environment. Agents and biotoxins that are not associated with disease in healthy adult humans are classified as Risk Group 1 materials. Agents that are 1) associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available and 2) low risk biotoxins, are classified as Risk Group 2 (RG2) materials. Examples of RG2 materials may include certain natural and recombinant bacterial strain collections, human cell cultures, pathogens, blood samples, patient sera, and biotoxins. Risk Group 3 and 4 agents or Select Agent biotoxins are not permitted on campus (certain exceptions based on limited quantities are allowable). The recommendations in this document primarily target the storage of RG2 agents and biotoxins. Recommendations: Access and Security: RG2 material must be secured to prevent access from the general public. Samples stored within a freezer, cabinet, etc. should be located in a secured location that has limited access or the storage unit itself must have the ability to be locked. Storage units must be dedicated for research use only. All samples must be claimed as the property of a current University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researcher, student or other responsible party. Hazard communication: Labels and Signs

A door sign with the international biohazard symbol and researcher contact information should be posted on doors to rooms where RG2 material is being stored. The Biological Safety Section (BSS) provides door signs. (Contact BSS at 333-2755 or bss@illinois.edu for more information) The international biohazard sign must be prominently posted on all RG2 storage units such as refrigerators, freezers, cabinets, etc. (Contact BSS at 333-2755 or bss@illinois.edu to request stickers) All boxes, racks or containers must be labeled or coded by some reasonable method. Researchers should be able to explain their coding system and identify all samples. RG2 materials should be segregated and stored together so that someone doesnt unknowingly select an incorrect tube/vial. Anyone with access to RG2 materials must be informed of the potential risks associated with these materials.

Inventory: A list of stored materials should be maintained and kept in case of an incident. To prevent unnecessary handling of specimens, the location of all materials should be noted in the inventory. The inventory should be checked and updated periodically. Storage Containers: Containers/tubes used for storage must be intact (no tears or cracks), leak-proof, and covered or closed to avoid spills or contamination. Avoid loose tubes every tube/container must be able to withstand shaking and moving without falling from a rack. All containers/tubes that will be frozen should be designed for low temperature storage. Containers with gaskets and security seals are also available commercially.

-1Division of Research Safety Phone: (217) 333-2755 Fax: (217) 244-6594 E-mail: drs@illinois.edu Web site: www.drs.illinois.edu

Storage of Risk Group 2 Biological Materials

Preparation of Tubes/Vials for Storage: Prior to storage, all tubes/containers should be decontaminated on the outer surfaces using a disinfectant that is effective against the potential hazard. Secondary containment should be used when transporting samples to and from the storage unit. Appropriate PPE: Gloves should always be worn when handling tubes/vials to prevent accidental contamination if the outside of the container was not decontaminated properly. Cold Storage Failure: An procedure should be established for monitoring the storage facility and for responding to freezer failure or the release of biological material (e.g. in the event of leakage of thawed material). The standard procedure should include:

Contact information of who should be notified The location of alternative freezers where contents may be transferred Appropriate PPE and a spill kit for cleaning up spills or thawed materials

Note: If a freezer needs repair, calibration, or transport, it must be completely decontaminated prior to beginning work or removing the unit. Questions? Contact the Division of Research Safety, Biological Safety Section (333-2755 or via e-mail at bss@illinois.edu) or visit our web site: http://www.drs.illinois.edu/bss/. Other Biosafety Fact Sheets are available from the Biological Safety Section at our web site: http://www.drs.illinois.edu/bss/factsheets/.

-2Division of Research Safety Phone: (217) 333-2755 Fax: (217) 244-6594 E-mail: drs@illinois.edu Web site: www.drs.illinois.edu