The Technical Assistance Branch (TAB) is responsible for providing consultative and technical assistance to the NIH and the extramural research community on all matters regarding occupational health and safety in biomedical research. The Technical Assistance Branch develops policies and guidelines that promote a safe work environment, conducts monitoring and surveillance for identifying occupational health and safety problems, and supports research programs by providing technical health and safety services. Special competence is provided in the areas of biological safety cabinets, primary barrier containment, indoor air quality, chemical safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and toxicology.