Biological
Safety

Daily work routine of the more than 1,400 scientists at the DKFZ for the most part takes place in laboratories with different safety levels. Biological safety levels (at DKFZ: BSL1-BSL3) are based on the risk classification of the biological (or biomedical) work carried out. Each laboratory is designed around the safety level of its research, including the laboratory equipment, the specific working practices, and the typical protective equipment worn. On the one hand these precautions are designed to protect employees, and on the other hand the environment and the general public.

The Biological Safety Unit at DKFZ has advisory, monitoring and administrative functions for the safe handling of natural biological agents and genetically modified organisms in these laboratories and also ensures the implementation of the regulations of the Genetic Engineering Act (GenTG), the Protection against Infection Act (IfSG), the Ordinance on Animal Diseases (TierSeuchErV) and the Ordinance on Biological Agents (BioStoffV).

The Biological Safety Unit at DKFZ is responsible for all DKFZ facilities in Heidelberg. We are also responsible for the management of the central BSL2/BSL3 laboratories of the DKFZ and are controlling and monitoring the internal compliance with legal obligations, official requirements and regulations in the individual decentralized genetic engineering facilities of the DKFZ. Other key tasks include the organizational and administrative management of the genetic engineering facilities and advice on laboratory changes and safety-relevant devices. In addition, the Biosafety Unit acts as the operator's representative to the authorities.

The coordinating contact person for notification, registration and approval procedures as well as for correspondence with the responsible authorities, associations and organizations is Dr. Timo Kehl, representative of the management board. Please address any inquiries to the Biosafety Secretariat, Tel. +49 (0)6221 42 3667, biosafety@dkfz.de.