Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC)
In compliance with Rules 1989, an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) is to be constituted by every organisation engaged in research, use & application activities related to GE organisms (organisms include microorganisms, animals, plants, arthropods, aquatic animals, etc.) and hazardous microorganisms ( "microorganisms" shall include all the bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycoplasma, cells lines, algae, protodones and nematotes). IBSC is the nodal agency within an organization for implementation of the biosafety regulatory framework. DBT/RCGM has been entrusted with registration and monitoring of IBSCs.
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) is solely responsible :
- To implement and respond to institutional biosafety & biosecurity at the institution level and
- Evaluation of applications/ reports related to rDNA technology work involving the GE organisms and non-GE hazardous microorganisms in an organisation.
Responsiblities and Functions of IBSCs
- Assess and monitor the items of general consideration i.e. research facilities, procedures and experts involved in HMOs/GMOs/LMOs and GE research and ensure that the proposed risk assessment, risk management and emergency plans are sufficient.
- Provide guidance to Principal Investigator on the issues related to biosafety while using HMOs/GMOs/LMOs and GE research including safety of the researcher(s) associated with the work.
- Inform the Principal Investigator about IBSC review, approval or rejection of applications.
- Copies of site emergency plan to be submitted to RCGM, GEAC, State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC) or District Level Committee (DLC) as the case may be, as per Rules, 1989e). The IBSC shall inspect laboratories using checklists. IBSC shall apprise short coming measures (if necessary) under information to Head of Organisation. Inspection reports should be maintained in the IBSC.
- Reporting for incidents and release: It is necessary that any incident within an organisation such as non-compliance of the biosafety guidelines, any biosecurity issues or any significant research-related accidents and illnesses be reported to IBSC/ RCGM.