Biosafety is a complete program of recognition, evaluation, and control to minimize the health risk from potential exposure to biohazardous materials that are used in research and teaching activities at Rice University.

Principal Investigators have primary responsibility for laboratory safety, including containment of biological materials to prevent personnel exposure. Protocols involving the use of recombinant DNA, or are classified as BSL2 or BSL3, must be reviewed and approved by the rDNA - Recombinant DNA Committee. EHS monitors laboratories to be sure that biological materials are handled and stored safely.

EHS works closely with the Institutional Biosafety Committee to develop campus policies and review campus issues related to biological materials.