Prior to starting workwith transgenic plants in the greenhouse, researchers must submit a copy of their Biological Use Authorization (BUA) letter to the Chair of the Greenhouse Committee and receive instruction on required practices. The BUA will specify which transgenic plants are approved for use in the greenhouse. To add use of the greenhouse to your current BUA (or initiate a new BUA) submit an application to EH&S Research & Occupational Safety. (http://www.ehs.washington.edu/rbsresplan/bua.shtm).

While transgenic plants are present in the greenhouse.

-       Doors to research rooms will be kept closed and BL1-P signs, along with “Researchers only” signs, will be posted on the outside of the door when transgenic plants are inside (to keep public tour groups out).

-       BL1-P greenhouse practices & requirements must be posted on the inside of the door (e.g. autoclave procedures, use of sticky mats, logging experiments, and what to do in the case of loss of containment). 

-       Anyone entering the room while transgenic plants are in residence will be required to read and follow BL1-P greenhouse practices posted on the inside of the door, (regardless of whether they are working directly with the transgenic plants).

-       A sticky mat will be placed on the floor inside the door to collect any biohazardous material on the shoes of workers.

-       Transgenic plants allowed to complete a life cycle and produce seed will be placed on a capillary mat on the benches.

-       A record of experiments shall be kept on a posted log sheet or BUA letter inside the room.

            Disposal of transgenic plants and plant material.

-       Plants must be sealed in red autoclave bags (biohazard bags), which will be placed in sealed, leak-proof secondary containment for transfer to Hitchcock or Kincaid Halls for autoclaving.  Transgenic plants allowed to complete a life cycle and produce seed will be placed on a capillary mat on the benches. These mats will be autoclaved and discarded at the end of the experiment. 

-       Loss of Containment(e.g., transgenic plant waste added to regular compost instead of autoclaving, removal of transgenic plants from approved rooms), must be reported to EH&S Research & Occupational Safety and the IBC. 206-221-7770, ehsbio@uw.edu.

Questions?  Contact Toby Bradshaw (toby@uw.edu), Chair of the Greenhouse Committee