Research Safety Training

The Research Safety Division provides training on a frequent basis which encompasses many different topics as they apply to specific laboratory spaces, and the types of work being conducted. For additional information concerning Research Safety, please visit the Research Safety Home page.

The trainings offered through the Research Safety Division include the following. Please click on desired training or scroll down for complete course descriptions and registration information.

Laboratory Safety Training for Researchers is now offered two ways – classroom or online – you choose!  Personnel can choose to attend either.  Both trainings are available to personnel working in or supervising research laboratories.  Either the classroom or online Laboratory Safety Training must be completed by Principal Investigators, Lab Safety Coordinators, and all personnel (faculty, staff, students, trainees, visitors) who will work with biological agents described above before starting work.

Boston University and Boston Medical Center often host summer programs that allow students to work in BU or BMC research or teaching laboratories. This offering of Laboratory Safety Training is customized to each program’s specific curriculum. Topics may include chemical and biological safety, fire and life safety, emergency management, waste management, and other information based on the program’s unique needs.

Agent-Specific Training is offered to individuals working with hazardous biological agents. The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for either conducting or ensuring this training is provided to members of his/her laboratory prior to an individual beginning work with hazardous biological agents. If the PI does not conduct the training, the Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) may be requested to provide this training. Topics covered by this training are subject to Institutional Biosafety Committee requirements. Complete initial health clearance forms by Research Occupational Health Programs (ROHP)

Biosafety Level 3 training is for those personnel working in Biosafety Level 3 laboratories. This training must be completed by all personnel (faculty, staff, animal technicians, students, trainees, visitors) who will work with BSL-3 agents. Topics that will be addressed include operations, required PPE, procedures, emergency management, and other required information.

Select-agent training is offered to persons working with Biological Select Agents or Toxins, as required by the Boston University Select Agent program. EHS provides Select Agent training upon request that must be completed by all personnel (faculty, staff, animal technicians, students, trainees, visitors) prior to receiving privileges to order, store, or use select agents. The training will cover topics including information on the hazards of specific select agents and the rules and regulations governing the use of these agents.

Shipping biologicals training is offered to persons who will be packaging or shipping biohazardous materialsk, including human or animal specimens of a research or clinical nature (including Select Agents). This training will cover topics including packaging, labeling, and documenting biohazardous shipments. If you are planning to ship materials other than biologicals from your laboratory, EHS staff members must ship the materials for you.

Information on how to proceed with shipment of various materials can be accessed here.

NEIDL General Orientation is required for all unescorted personnel entering the NEIDL. In addition, both CPR and First Aid/AED Certifications are required in order to maintain unescorted access privileges and can be obtained through BU Fitrec. For more information about the NEIDL and its training program, please visit the NEIDL website.