U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Laboratory Safety Programs

Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM)

Home  |  Glossary  |  Resources  |  Help  |  Contact Us  |  Course Map
 

Illustration of microscope
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

The Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis methods (SWGDAM) is a group of forensic scientists that meets under the guidance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  It is the body that proposes and recommends revisions to the National Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and has a more general liaison role with the forensic DNA community.

In 2002, SWGDAM issued a guidance document based on OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1450 Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory [Chemical Hygiene]. The document was developed to assist laboratories in the establishment of a comprehensive health and safety program by giving specific direction rather than simply stating that a safety program is needed.  It is imperative to note additional federal, state, and local regulations not mentioned in the guidance document or the federal OSHA standard must be adhered to in order to ensure compliance.06

Back Forward