Filling out the BUA Form

This guide will help you fill out your BUA Application to begin the process of obtaining your BUA (Biological Use Authorization). To see more about the process of obtaining your BUA, please see this article. 

You can also find a pdf with all the BUA information at this link.

Section I. Type of Experiments

Include here all the various items that are mentioned, if applicable, in subsections A - J. Below, an example of the first subsection. Please indicate with an X which items apply to your research.

Section II. Personnel

Who is in your company and will be involved in this work? Your company is responsible for all appropriate safety training for your employees. Bakar Labs provides a 2-hour safety training, the details of which can be found here. Also consult waste-management companies (e.g., Stericycle, Clean Earth, etc.) that often have extensive trainings available online.

Important: Please notify Bakar Labs staff of the BBP (Bloodborne Pathogen) training dates for all employees who require it.

Section III. Location of Research Experiment

Indicate what rooms you will be working in and details surrounding the research. Note, you may need to write “TBD” for a room number if you have not yet confirmed your bench space. The other areas are shared spaces as indicated. We have indicated in this sample below the various cold storage options in shared spaces as well as the various shared user facilities at Bakar Labs.

Section IV. Biosafety Cabinet Information

If performing BSL-2 work, report on the Biosafety cabinets you will be using. If you will be using the shared Tissue Culture facilities at Bakar Labs, the information on the Biosafety cabinets can be found below. (This data can be copied and pasted from here directly into your BUA)

Section V-I. Safety Evaluation

Indicate the ways you will mitigate applicable hazards including the use of sharps and aerosols. Bakar Labs uses ethanol and hydrogen peroxide for disinfection.

Section V-II. Other Risks

Use only the reference information below that applies to you. Note, critical information in the highlighted area.

Section VI. Scope of Work Narrative

This is where you explain your work at Bakar Labs. They will be particularly focused on your waste handling. Ask for help if needed. Dr. Flores will be able to comment on this section.

Here is an example “Narrative” that successfully passed through the BUA process:

Section VII. Sign and Date

The individual who signs should also be present at the inspection. However, be sure that EVERYONE participating during the site inspection is familiar with the submitted BUA.

Attachment II, Section A. Recombinant DNA

Provide detailed information in this section. This information is required and kept confidential. All CLEB committee members and BSO officers are under confidentiality agreements. And the Bakar Lab Operations Staff is also in attendance on your behalf. Withholding sensitive information due to its proprietary nature will hinder your ability to receive BUA approval.

Note, this content covers:

II-A.1 Genes.

II-A.2 Viral vectors.

II-A.3 Vector descriptions.

II-A.4 Packaging cell lines for virus production.

Attachment II, Section B. Biohazardous Agents and Toxins

Describe all applicable materials in your work.

1. Bacteria.

2. Viruses.

3. Fungi.

4. Parasites.

5. Toxins.

6. Human-derived biologicals.

7. Other potentially infectious material.

Attachment II, Section G. Plants

This only applies to companies using plant materials.

Worksheets 1, 2, & 3:

These are guided ways to determine how your materials should be reported. There are

three worksheets including recombinant DNA, plant materials, and transmissible disease

pathogens.