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Training for work with Biological Materials

The type and frequency of training will depend on the agents/materials used and the requirements of the facility where the lab(s) are located, training may be required for approval of your IBC protocol.  The following matrix provides information on the biosafety training programs (including general laboratory safety training requirements), as well as links to information regarding the type of training offered and how to register for the specific training.  If you have any questions regarding biosafety training that you may be required to complete, please contact the IBC administrator (biosafety@ehs.utah.edu).

 

 

 

Training Modules Required or Recommended
(See key below)

Are you a University of Utah faculty, staff, student or visitor who…..

 

Will work in a wet lab with biological materials

1

AND/OR

 

Will work at BSL1

2

Have a risk of an occupational exposure to human materials (e.g. blood, specimens, tissue or cells or cell lines, or bloodborne pathogens?

3, 4, 5, or 6

Will work in a BSL-2 or BSL-2+ lab or space

5 or 6

Will work with recombinant viral vectors at BSL-2

5 or 6, AND 7 (Or 8)

Will work with recombinant viral vectors at BSL-1

2 AND 7

Will work with animals at ABSL-2

9

Will work with unfixed macaque primate tissues, cells, fluids or products

10 (Or 5 or 6, AND 11)

Will work in a BSL-3 lab or space

12 AND 18

Will work with animals at ABSL-3

12, 13 AND 18

Will ship or extramurally transport biological materials

14

Will work in a BSL-2/BSL-2+ lab or space with other labs/groups present

15

Will use a Biosafety Cabinet

16, 18 and/or 19

Will centrifuge biological materials

17 or 18

Will use an autoclave

18

Will work with a Select Agent Pathogen listed on the US Government DURC Policy

20

Key to Matrix


 

Module

Frequency

Provided By:

1

Lab-Specific Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

Principal Investigator/Lab Supervisor

2

Introduction to Biosafety

Time of Assignment (Periodic repeat recommended)

EHS

3

In Person Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

EHS

4

Online Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

EHS

Only available Monday to Friday 8am to 2.30pm

5

In Person BSL-2 and Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

EHS

6

Online BSL-2 and Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

EHS

Only available Monday to Friday 8am to 2.30pm

7

Online Viral Vector Training

Time of Assignment and Every 3 Years

EHS

8

In Person BSL-2, Bloodborne Pathogens and Viral Vectors Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

Contact Biosafety Officer (Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu)

9

Animal Biosafety
Level-2 Training

Time of Assignment and Every 3 Years

EHS

10

In Person BSL-2, Bloodborne pathogens and Herpes B virus Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

Contact Biosafety Officer (Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu)

11

Herpes B virus Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

Contact Biosafety Officer (Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu)

12

BSL-3 (with or without Bloodborne Pathogens) Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

Contact Biosafety Officer (Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu)

13

Animal Biosafety
Level-3 Training

Time of Assignment and Annual

EHS

14

Shipping Category B Infectious Substances and Dry Ice Training

Every 2 Years

EHS

15

Shared Space Training

Time of Assignment

Lab Supervisor

16

Biosafety Cabinet Training

Optional: time of assignment

CDC online
(https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/biological-safety-cabinets.html)

17

Fundamentals of Centrifuge Safety

Optional: time of assignment

CDC
(https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/fundamentals-centrifuge-safety.html))

18

Laboratory Safety
3-in-1

Time of Assignment and Annual (BSL-3 labs)

Optional: time of assignment (BSL-1 or BSL-2 labs)

EHS

19

 

In Person Training

Optional: time of assignment

Contact Biosafety Officer (Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu)

20

University of Utah DURC Training

Before initiating research with pathogens listed on the US Government DURC Policy

EHS

 

Details


  1. Laboratory/Protocol-Specific training.  All personnel must receive training from the Principal Investigator, at the time of assignment and at least annually thereafter.  This training must include a risk assessment for any microbial agents being used in the lab (including routes of infection, signs and symptoms of exposure and options for vaccinations or post-exposure prophylaxis), engineering and work practice controls, PPE requirements, spill clean-up procedures, and post-exposure procedures, as applicable. Laboratories with a comprehensive Biosafety manual may use this for training, with signatures documenting review.  In person trainings, for example during lab meetings, can also be documented using the “Site-Specific Training Checklist and Record SOP” in the IBC Fact Sheets and SOP library.
  2. Introduction to Biosafety: This is an online training module that provides an introductory course for laboratory personnel working with biological agents at Biosafety Level-1 at the University of Utah.  The course describes the use of engineering and administrative controls in the lab, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, how to clean up spills of biological materials, waste disposal and what to do in the event of an exposure incident. Register here.  
  3. In Person Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training: This is a 1.5 hour class for anyone working with human or non-human primate cell lines, blood, tissue, body fluids, as well as other potentially infectious material (OPIM) of human origin: this includes work with established cell lines. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually, as described in federal regulations 29 CFR 1910.10309, the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, section (g)(2).  Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found using this link (https://utah.bridgeapp.com/learner/category/100) or through the IBC calendar.
  4. Online Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training: This class is for anyone working with human or non-human primate cell lines, blood, tissue, body fluids, as well as other potentially infectious material (OPIM) of human origin: this includes work with established cell lines. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually, as described in federal regulations 29 CFR 1910.10309, the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, section (g)(2).  The class can be found here. However, the class may only be taken Monday to Friday from 8am to 2.30 pm (start time).
  5. In Person Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training. This is a 2-hour class for anyone working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids or pathogenic/toxic materials requiring BSL-2 containment.  This class also includes information on Bloodborne Pathogens for those working with human or non-human primate cell lines, blood, tissue, body fluids, as well as other potentially infectious material (OPIM) of human origin: this includes work with established cell lines. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually. Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found using this link (https://utah.bridgeapp.com/learner/category/100) or through the IBC calendar.
  6. Online Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training. This is a 2-hour class for anyone working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids or pathogenic/toxic materials requiring BSL-2 containment.  This class also includes information on Bloodborne Pathogens for those working with human or non-human primate cell lines, blood, tissue, body fluids, as well as other potentially infectious material (OPIM) of human origin: this includes work with established cell lines. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually. The class can be found here. However, the class may only be taken Monday to Friday from 8am to 2.30 pm (start time).
  7. Online Viral Vectors Training. This is an online training module. This training is suitable for employees working with recombinant AAV or murine retroviral vectors at BSL1 or recombinant viral vectors, such as lentiviral, adenoviral, vaccinia and rabies viral vectors, requiring BSL-2 containment, that can be taken to supplement the BSL-1 or BSL-2 classes. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated every 3 years. The class can be found here.
  8. In person BSL-2, Viral Vectors, and Bloodborne Pathogens Training. This class is available as a special session on demand. It is a 2.5-hour class for anyone working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids or pathogenic/toxic materials requiring BSL-2 containment and includes information on commonly used recombinant viral vectors.  This class also includes information on Bloodborne Pathogens for those working with human or non-human primate cell lines, blood, tissue, body fluids, as well as other potentially infectious material (OPIM) of human origin: this includes work with established cell lines. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually. Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found by contacting the Biosafety officer at Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu.
  9. Animal Biosafety Level-2 Training. This is an online class required for anyone working with animals requiring ABSL-2 containment. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated whenever IBC registrations are submitted (initial and renewal). The class can be found here.
  10. BSL-2, Bloodborne Pathogens and Herpes B Virus Training This class is available as a special session on demand. This is a 2-hour class for anyone working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids or pathogenic/toxic materials requiring BSL-2 containment AND work with Macaques, including unfixed samples and cells.  This class also includes information on Bloodborne Pathogens for those working with human or non-human primate cell lines, blood, tissue, body fluids, as well as other potentially infectious material (OPIM) of human origin: this includes work with established cell lines. The risks associated with the potential exposure to Herpes B virus and procedures to follow in the event of an exposure are described.  Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually. Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found by contacting the Biosafety officer at Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu.
  11. Herpes B Virus Training. This class is available as a special session on demand and supplements other BSL-2 classes. This is a 30-minute class for anyone working with Macaques, including unfixed samples and cells.  The risks associated with the potential exposure to Herpes B virus and procedures to follow in the event of an exposure are described.  Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually. Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found by contacting the Biosafety officer at Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu.
  12. Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) (with or without Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)) Training. This is a 1.5 to 2 hour class required for anyone working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids or pathogenic/toxic materials requiring BSL-3 containment: the class will be tailored to the EEJ BSL-3 facility.  This class also includes information on Bloodborne Pathogens for those working with human or non-human primate cell lines, blood, tissue, body fluids, as well as other potentially infectious material (OPIM) of human origin: this includes work with established cell lines. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually. It must be supplemented by the Laboratory Safety 3-in-1 class (#15), and by the ABSL-3 training (#13), if applicable. Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found by contacting the Biosafety officer at Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu.
  13. Animal Biosafety Level-3 Training. This class will be provided as a supplement to the BSL-3 class (#12) as warranted. Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually. The class can be found here.
  14. Shipping Category B Infectious Substances and Dry Ice Training. Participants will learn how to classify, package, label, and document shipments containing infectious or potentially infectious materials in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transporters Association (IATA) regulations. Specific and practical information will be provided for laboratory personnel and study coordinators who ship infectious or potentially infectious materials by air or highway. Case scenarios will be included in the presentation. Regulations and procedures for shipping with dry ice will also be described. Upon completion, participants will be certified to ship Category B materials for a period of 2 years. All individuals who package and ship infectious materials and/or dry ice are required by federal regulation (49 CFR 171-180) to complete Shipping Training every two years. Individuals who package and ship potentially infectious human specimens should also complete this class. Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found  here.
  15. Shared-Space Training. All BSL-2 (or higher) lab spaces that are shared by 2 or more PIs using different biohazardous agents, who are not co-PIs or co-investigators on an approved IBC protocol(s), must conduct a joint “Biohazards Awareness and Training” session for all the personnel working in the space. See “Training on Biohazards in Shared Spaces SOP” in the IBC Fact Sheets and SOP library.
  16. Biosafety Cabinet Training. The CDC basic-level eLearning course provides information on the safe use of Class II biological safety cabinets (BSC). Topics covered include major parts of a BSC, how a BSC works, how to work safely inside a BSC, and what to do if there is an emergency while working in a BSC. Videos, interactive exercises, job aids, and a modifiable checklist template are included in the course to enhance the learning experience. Register and complete the course at: https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/biological-safety-cabinets.html.
  17. Fundamentals of Centrifuge Safety. This CDC basic-level eLearning course provides information on the safe use of centrifuges. Topics covered include major parts of a centrifuge, types of centrifuges, potential hazards, how to work safely with a centrifuge, and what to do if there is an emergency. Register and complete the course at: https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/fundamentals-centrifuge-safety.html.
  1. Laboratory Safety 3-in-1. This online class covers the basics of safe operation of a centrifuge, autoclaving and the use of a Biosafety Cabinet.  Training must be completed at the time of assignment and repeated annually for all personnel working at BSL-3. The class can be found here.   
  2. EHS In Person Training Class. This hands-on class includes an introduction to Biosafety cabinet use, including visualization of air flow, how to disinfect the cabinet, how to arrange materials for work, safe work practices and how to safely move materials in and out of the cabinet. The class will also demonstrate spill clean-up, donning and doffing of PPE and hand washing. The class is currently offered on request and is limited to 4 participants.  Information regarding the class, and how to register for a class, can be found by contacting the Biosafety officer at Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu.
  3. University of Utah DURC Training. The US Government Policy on Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) requires that investigators working with agents listed on the Policy (Avian influenza virus (highly pathogenic), Bacillus anthracis, Botulinum neurotoxin, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Ebola virus, Foot-and-mouth disease virus, Francisella tularensis, Marburg virus, Reconstructed 1918 Influenza virus, Rinderpest virus, Toxin-producing strains of Clostridium botulinum, Variola major virus, Variola minor virus, or Yersinia pestis) receive training on the policy.  Before registering this work with the DURC Institutional Review Entity (IRE: at the University of Utah this is the IBC) the investigator must complete this training. Information regarding the University of Utah DURC Policy, can be found by contacting the Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research (ICDUR) at Biosafety@ehs.utah.edu The class can be found here.  

 

Last Updated: 3/21/24