Information for Biosafety Officers

The responsibilities of a biosafety officer include:

• providing advice, information, instruction and training on the local use, storage, transport and disposal of biological substances;
• providing advice, information, instruction and training on the local OGTR matters, including requirements for licensing, certification of facilities and classification of activities under the Gene Technology Act 2001 (Vic);
• assisting with risk management of hazards and risks associated with biological substances;
• formulating and implementing occupational health and safety policies and procedures with regard to biological substances;
• reviewing the biosafety aspects of new research projects and teaching activities;
• providing the initial response to, and investigation of, accidents and emergencies involving biological substances, including assistance with the development of corrective actions;
• liaising with the university OGTR Compliance Officer, Occupational Health and Safety, the zone OHS&E committee and the head of unit or controlled entity;
• consulting with local health & safety representatives on occupational health and safety issues regarding biological substances;
• monitoring occupational health and safety standards and compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures at a local level with regard to biological substances; and
• auditing and analysing the legislative compliance of the unit with regard to the occupational health and safety and gene technology aspects of biological substances, including reporting breaches of compliance to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and Occupational Health and Safety.

Documents Useful To Biosafety Officers

Documents include:

• Occupational Health and Safety Policy
• First Aid procedure
• Immunisation Procedures
• Procedures for hazard and incident reporting, investigation and recording
• Procedures for health and safety of students undertaking studies in laboratories, studios, workshops or clinical activities
• Procedures for work and study during times when emergency response is limited
• Guidelines for safe work instructions
• Risk control program
• Workplace inspection program

Resources Available For Biosafety Officers

• Your local OHSE consultant
• Listing of departmental safety officers
• Occupational Health and Safety documents
• Occupational Health and Safety forms 
• Your health & safety representative
• Occupational Health and Safety training courses

Training courses can also be tailored to meet the needs of individual departments/schools or campuses.

• Chemical safety information
• Radiation safety information
• Employee induction program

Occupational Health and Safety can be contacted on (03) 9905-1013 or by email

Training Recommended For Biosafety Officers

• Biosafety course (Two ½ days)