Monash University Malaysia Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
About the Committee
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is an institutional committee created under the Biosafety Act 2007 Guidelines and its underlining Policies and procedures are to review research involving recombinant DNA and synthetic nucleic acid research. The IBC also reviews all research involving biohazardous materials and has overall oversight and responsibility for the Biosafety program at Monash University Malaysia.
Scope of IBC authority
The IBC reports to the Vice President (Research and Development) and to the National Biosafety Board (NBB) on:
- Monash University Malaysia’s research activities which involves biosafety matters;
- Any significant problems with or non-compliance of the Biosafety Guidelines for the Contained Use Activity of LMOs;
- Any significant research-related accidents or illnesses; and
- suspension of protocol approval for the possession or use of LMO/rDNA materials and other bio-hazardous material, including research that is non-compliance or that such use or possession poses a threat to the health and safety of the community.
Responsibility:
The Committee will:
- Ensure appropriate capability development programs are in place for staff adhering to national regulation and best practices.
- Review biohazards and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines, including in relation to facilities, training and expertise.
- Consider all proposed uses of GMO/LMO/rDNA at Monash University Malaysia and provide oral feedback to applicants.
- Adopt and implement a response plan for biohazard incidents.
- Report to the National Biosafety Board through the Vice President (Research & Development).
- Perform Laboratory safety audits jointly with Campus Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE).