Standards/Guidance Documents

EHS biosafety personnel provide guidance and assistance in implementing biosafety programs and review safety procedures based on Weill Cornell Medicine safety programs and the requirements of federal, state, and local agencies.

Principal investigators and laboratory personnel should consult the Research Biosafety Manual for guidance on the safe conduct of biomedical research.

COVID-19 Research Biosafety Resources

To help support laboratories conducting COVID-19-related research, EHS has prepared the following biosafety resources (please note that you will need to log in with your CWID and password to access):

If you have any questions or need assistance with the guidance in these resources, please contact us at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.

Other Resources

The Weill Cornell Medicine Research Biosafety Manual is based on the following publications:

All research and clinical laboratory staff working with human cells and tissues are required to follow the policies and guidelines established by the WCM Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan, following the:

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030

Environmental Health and Safety and the Institutional Biosafety Committee must first approve all research involving the potential use of select agents and toxins. If you intend to start select agent work, please get in touch with EHS.

Biological Imports, Shipping, and Waste Disposal

Biological Imports

A CDC import permit may be required when importing certain biological materials. A Laboratory-Specific Biosafety Plan must be created and implemented as part of this process. Additionally, visitors (e.g., contractors or vendors servicing equipment) entering rooms listed on the CDC import permit must complete Visitor Safety Training before working in those areas. The EHS has developed these resources to aid WCM personnel in this process.

Shipping and receiving animals and animal-derived materials, infectious or biohazardous agents, biological toxins, and genetically modified organisms may require the approval of both domestic and foreign federal agencies. Regulations that govern the transfer of biological materials help to minimize or eliminate the possible threats to public health and agriculture. Please refer to the Biological Material and Dry Ice Shipment Manual for guidance and training requirements.

Weill Cornell Medicine's biological spill planning and response guidelines have been prepared to assist personnel in determining the necessary steps to respond appropriately to a biological spill.

Under federal, state, and local regulations, the WCM Waste Disposal Manual provides guidance and details on handling and disposing of biological waste and regulated Medical Waste (RMW).

Shipping & Transportation of Biological Materials

EHS offers resources on the shipment of biological materials, including:

6.2 - Biological Material and Dry Ice Shipments
Shipping Assessment Form (use for shipment/transport assessment requests)
Liquid Nitrogen Dry Shipper Update
Shippers' Commercial Invoice
Import and Export Permit Information

COVID-19 Shipping Resources

The American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) has outlined shipping requirements for SARS-CoV-2 samples. For questions, contact ehs@med.cornell.edu.

Biological Waste Disposal

The WCM Waste Disposal Guides provide guidelines on handling and disposing of biological and Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) under federal, state, and local regulations.