Incident Response and Reporting

What should be reported to the BOHP?

Incidents that involve a potential exposure to biohazardous materials in an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) permitted Biosafety Level 2 or Biosafety Level 3 lab. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Exposure of person(s) to biohazardous materials and/or recombinantly modified material
• Sharps injuries that result in a potential exposure to biohazardous materials
• Splashes or sprays of biohazardous materials into the eyes, nose, mouth, or onto non-intact skin
• Failure to wear respiratory protection when it is required
• Spills of biohazardous materials outside of a biosafety cabinet or other primary containment equipment
• Any other incident that may result in exposure to biohazardous materials

Incidents that involve injury or illness caused by an animal. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Skin-piercing injuries from an animal (e.g., bites, scratches)
• Development of animal-related allergies or asthma
• Exposure of mucus membranes or non-intact skin to animal waste or body fluids
• Potential exposure to a zoonotic pathogen

Contact the BOHP via email at bohp@tamu.edu or by phone at 979-845-6649 to report incidents.

Additional Reporting Requirements

The Office of Biosafety (OBS), on behalf of the TAMU IBC, is responsible for assessing and evaluating any work-related incident that may result in a potential exposure to biohazardous materials. The Office of Biosafety Incident Report Form needs to be completed and submitted to the BOHP at bohp@tamu.edu and the OBS at biosafety@tamu.edu.

Department liaisons, supervisors, or designees are required to report any work-related injury or illness through the Texas A&M Origami System as soon as possible after the incident is reported or has been identified.

Physical injuries (e.g., slips, trips, falls) and potential chemical or radiation exposure(s) should be reported to Environmental Health and Safety by calling 979-845-2132 or emailing ehsd.occ.health@tamu.edu.

Injury Response Guidance for Minor Wounds

Puncture wounds:

• Encourage bleeding. Wash the affected area with soap and water for 15 minutes.
• Apply first aid, if needed (e.g., antiseptic and/or bandage).
• Report the incident to your Principal Investigator and/or Supervisor as soon as possible.

Mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) exposure:

• Flush the affected mucous membrane(s) immediately at the eyewash station or at the sink with running clean water for 15 minutes.
• Report the incident to your Principal Investigator and/or Supervisor as soon as possible.

Injury Response Guidance for Emergencies

If an incident occurs and immediate medical attention is required, call 911 and follow all instructions given by the operator or go to the emergency room or urgent care clinic of your choice that accepts your insurance and/or worker’s compensation. Report the incident to your Principal Investigator and/or Supervisor as soon as possible.