Biosafety Training for Laboratory Personnel

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the U-M Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) require that all laboratory personnel complete the applicable biosafety training courses.  It is the Principal Investigator’s responsibility to ensure that laboratory personnel complete the required training. 

Biosafety training at U-M is offered by EHS. The training focuses on the proper procedures to handle biohazardous materials in the laboratory, including appropriate use of equipment and safety measures.

Required Training

All laboratory personnel must complete the EHS online Chemical Laboratory Safety (EHS_BLS025w_TAB) course. Free. Register and complete in My LINC.

Research-Specific Training

Highly Recommended

Working Safely with Viral Vectors (BLS008_TAB).  If you will be working with viral vectors, this one-hour, instructor-led course is designed to provide a solid background in the research risks and biosafety management aspects of modern gene transfer technology.  The course emphasizes the practical application of rDNA techniques with clear explanations of lab practices required to reduce or eliminate exposure risks.  Design of experimental procedures to ensure safety and standard procedures for handling potential spills and accidents are covered in-depth.  

This course is intended for new or entry-level lab personnel who plan to use viral vectors in vitro or in vivo, and who cannot demonstrate significant previous experience and expertise in the necessary aspects of biosafety and regulatory compliance.  Training sessions are scheduled quarterly and limited seating is available.  The training is provided by the UM Vector Core Laboratory and sanctioned by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS).

Required

If you will be working with human cells, tissues, or fluids, you must complete a Bloodborne Pathogen Training course on an annual basis.  There are two options:

• Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Training (EHS_BLS100w_TAB) (1 hr). This online training course is intended for for all U-M laboratory personnel who may have occupational exposure to:
  • Human blood or body fluids
  • Unfixed tissue; human cells or cell lines
  • HIV or Hepatitis B and C virus

This training includes: 

• MIOSHA BBP training, bloodborne pathogens, biological hazards, aerosols, BSL-2 policies and practices. 
• Exposure control methods including: engineering controls, standard microbiological practices and administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and biosafety cabinets.
• Procedures for transporting specimens, biological exposure, and the safe handling of sharps, waste, spills, as well as reporting injuries and/or exposures are covered.


• Biosafety Training (BSL-2) (EHS_BLS301w_TAB) (1.5hr) This training course is intended for U-M laboratory personnel who work in a lab that has a biological safety containment level 2 (BSL-2), which includes those who may reasonably anticipate contact with potentially infectious materials (OPIM), including human cell lines.

This training includes:

• Risk groups and containment determination,
• BSL-2 policies and practices,including:  MIOSHA BBP training, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and uses, biosafety cabinets and aerosols use,  
• Procedures for the safe handling of sharps, waste, spills, as well as for reporting injuries and/or exposures.

These training options provide the initial training as well as the annual review of bloodborne pathogen exposure control principles, practices, and requirements as outlined in the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) Bloodborne Infectious Diseases regulation (rules 325.70001 – 325.70018).