Agent Registration Workbook

Environmental Health and Safety has developed a novel process to gather and review information regarding the use of biological and chemical agents at the University. This process is centered on the Agent Registration Workbook, an MS Excel spreadsheet-based data-gathering tool to be used by investigators to register their use of these materials.

There are several times when an Agent Registration Workbook should be submitted to EH&S.

A. Animal Work Only: Project associated with an IACUC protocol only
B. Animal and rDNA Work: Project associated with an IACUC protocol and an IBC recombinant DNA (rDNA) protocol
C. rDNA Work Only: Project associated with an IBC rDNA protocol only
D. Other Hazardous Materials: Any project using hazardous materials not described in an IACUC or IBC rDNA protocol
T. Tissue Transfer: Tissue transfer from an approved IACUC protocol to an authorized user
M. Material Transfer Agreement: Registration with EH&S to obtain materials requiring an Material Transfer Agreement

The Agent Registration Workbook contains five sections, each requiring specific information for completion. The sections are: Administrative, Laboratory, Personnel, Biological Agent Information, and Chemical Agent Information. Two main versions of the workbook have been developed: a macro-enabled version for the PC and a non-macro version for the Macintosh.

Using the Agent Registration Workbook File

For PC Users MS Excel Macro security level must be set at low or medium. When opening a PC version of the Agent Registration Workbook, Excel will notify the user that the file contains macros and will provide the choice to enable or disable them. In order to use the Workbook correctly, macros must be enabled. Once macros are enabled, use the “HUB” spreadsheet to enter all information and the “REV” spreadsheet to review your entries.

Also, PC users should determine what screen resolution (dpi) they are currently running and download the workbook designed for that specification. Screen resolution can quickly be determined in Windows; click on “Control Panel,” then “Display Properties,” then “Settings.” If the user is running a screen resolution not listed to the right, this setting can be changed using the Windows Control Panel command.

Investigators are encouraged to review the Instructional Guide for complete information regarding the completion of the Agent Registration Workbook file.

Important Details Regarding Workbook Submission and Approval

Please download and review the following document containing details about workbook submission and approval.

Agent Registration Workbook Overview

Submitting the Agent Registration Workbook

Once all project appropriate sections of the workbook are completed, submit the MS Excel file to EH&S via e-mail (biosafe@ehs.pitt.edu). Upon submittal of each workbook, investigators will receive a confirmation e-mail. EH&S will review this workbook to evaluate environmental, health, and safety issues associated with the protocol.