Other Unique Hazards (Biohazards, Radiation & Lasers)
Other Unique Hazards (Biohazards, Radiation & Lasers)
Biosafety
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and EHS have formed a partnership to minimize risks to the University community from activities involving biological agents. The primary mission of the biosafety program is to aid the University community in assuring that research involving biological agents is conducted in a safe and responsible manner, and that these activities follow external regulations and applicable University policies. University Biosafety requirements are extensive. More information on Biosafety.
Radiation
The Radiation Safety Program includes implementation procedures to facilitate the safe and secure use of all licensed material at the University. The Radiation Safety Program addresses the requirement that licensed material will be used in such a way to keep radiation doses to workers and members of the public ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).* The University is required to maintain a Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), which works with the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in implementing the radiation safety program. The RSC is authorized to approve all acquisition, use, location, and storage of radioactive materials. University Radiation Safety requirements are extensive. For more information on radiation, please refer to
Lasers Class 3b or 4
The versatility and power of lasers has produced new frontiers in research and medical treatment. Along with these advances is the recognition that there is potential for significant injury from lasers. The privilege to use lasers at the University of Virginia requires each individual user to follow and adhere to the UVA Laser Safety Program.
University Laser Safety requirements are extensive. For more information on laser safety, please refer to
*which is specified as the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) to members of the public will not exceed more than 1 mSv (100 mrem) in one year, and the dose in any unrestricted area will not exceed 0.02 mSv (2 mrem) in any one hour.