NEIDL Training Update

October 2009 – April 2010

Orientation training over the past few months included several modules. These were: 

• Security and Public Safety Module 
• Building Evacuation and Emergency Module 
• Building Biocontainment Awareness Module
• Moving Safety Module 

In addition, a BSL-4 training program has also been developed. Several sessions are devoted to training scientific, environmental health and safety, animal care and facility staff in preparation for planned simulations to be held in the BSL-4 later this year.

The following training programs took place over the past several months: 

1) Biosafety Principles and Practices Didactic Training

2) BSL-4 Suit Didactic Training

3) BSL-4 Suit Practical and Hands-On Training

Appropriate researchers have:

• Completed the Biosafety Principles and Practices and BSL-4 Suit Didactic Training
• Completed training assessments and quizzes as part of their training
• Completed the BSL-4 Suit Practical and Hands-On Training and exercises. Participants were trained and became familiar with the Dover suits which will be the specific type of pressurized suits worn in the BSL-4 laboratory in the NEIDL. The participants conducted physical exercises in the BSL-4 Simulator Lab. Participants continued to practice and conducted exercises in suits after the initial training. 

Training programs are ongoing. Future sessions will include a series of simulations involving the validation of various operational procedures, simulated emergency responses, and equipment use. 

The next update of the Simulation and Training Exercises will be posted mid-July 2010.