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Safety is the watchword when exhibiting at all science fairs. Without exception, the highest standards of safety are required. The following are safety measures of particular concern.

• Once approval is received, the following guidelines must be observed:
• Microorganisms should be supplied by a reputable, certified biological supplier.
• Microorganisms must be maintained at a location approved by the
  Scientific Review Committee.
• All cultures should be destroyed by methods such as autoclaving or with a suitable bleach solution before disposal. The location will
  depend on the nature of the research.

Cultures of known bacteria, while they may be considered as non-pathogenic, must be treated in such a way that no bacterial contamination of the environment around the project display area can occur; therefore, cultures of molds, bacteria, and fungi must not be displayed. Photographs of cultures are preferred. Hypodermic syringes, needles, and surgical tools may not be part of the display.

Wild cultures of bacteria and fungi, though they may be used if incubated at or below room temperature, may not be displayed at a science fair exhibition.

All research involving Recombinant DNA techniques must meet requirements of the National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. Such studies must only be conducted in a registered research laboratory under the guidance of a biomedical scientist approved to conduct such studies by an appropriately constituted and registered biosafety committee and be approved by the Scientific Review Committee of Science Fair, Inc.

A Request for Recombinant DNA Endorsement must be submitted to the
Scientific Review Committee by November 15 of the academic year of the Fair. See this PDF for the appropriate form. These required ISEF forms should also be requested and completed: Checklist for Adult Supervisor, Research Plan (1A), Approval Form (1B), Qualified Scientist Form (2), Registered Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C), and Designated Supervisor Form (3).

No materials may be displayed that can undergo a chemical or biological change.

This includes, molds, bacteria, yeasts, pond water, aquatic plants and other potentially gas producing substances. Those projects should display photographs or simulations instead of the actual materials and organisms used in the investigation.