8 
guidelines lies in the wisdom with which they are implemented. 
We are expanding this section and rewriting much of it as a 
result of review of the comments and suggestions. With one 
general exception, the substantive issues subject to possible 
change are detailed below for your consideration. Because the 
NIH has a special responsibility to take a leading role in 
assuring that safety programs are part of every program for 
recombinant DNA research, Dr. W. Emmett Barkley and his specially 
convened committee were asked to provide greater detail for 
safety, accident, and training plans that would be appropriate 
for the implementation section. That committee's recommendations 
are being sent to you under separate cover. 
Issues for the Committee ’s Consideration 
A. Institutional Biohazards Committee 
1. There was special emphasis that the local committee include 
members who represent disciplines from within and without 
the biomedical community. What is the response of the 
committee to our suggesting that local committees consider 
including such representatives as institutional employee 
health officials, occupational health and safety specialists, 
epidemiologists, plant engineering and safety specialist , 
and community representatives? 
2. The commentators generally approved of the requirements 
in the guidelines for the investigator to institute, 
monitor, and evaluate containment and safety practices and 
procedures. However, it was generally urged that this be 
a joint responsibility with the local biohazards committee. 
I believe equity of the institutions of all investigators 
involved in this potentially hazardous experimentation 
requires that there be a reasonable partnership. What 
is the committee's response to our recommending that the 
local biohazards committee share responsibility for 
developing appropriate safety programs and monitoring 
safety, accident, and training programs during the conduct 
of the research? 
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