Preface 
The "Laboratory Safety Monograph -A Supplement to the NIH 
Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research" is a revised and 
expanded edition of "Appendix D, Supplementary Information 
on Physical Containment," which was published June 23, 
1976, as a part of the "NIH Guidelines for Recombinant 
DNA Research." This monograph was prepared in response 
to numerous requests for greater specificity in describing 
practices, equipment, and facilities appropriate for the 
safe conduct of recombinant DNA research. 
The principal purpose of the "Laboratory Safety Monograph" 
is to assist scientific institutions, principal investigators, 
and health and safety professionals in the selection and 
use of physical containment measures described in the revised 
"NIH Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research." The informa- 
tion provided in this monograph is based on established 
principles of laboratory safety, expert opinion, and exper- 
ience in dealing safely with infectious disease organisms 
in diagnostic and research laboratories. The monograph will 
be useful, therefore, not only to those associated with 
recombinant DNA research, but to all who are associated with 
research programs involving potentially hazardous organisms. 
Donald S. Fredrickson 
Director, NIH 
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