IBC Training and Other Requirements

Training is a critical component of any integrated biological safety program. Training is intended to provide the understanding, technical knowledge, and tools that the trainee can use to improve his or her daily laboratory safety practices. Mandated general biosafety training is required for all laboratory workers (faculty, staff, students, and visiting scientists) at BU and BMC in addition to other requirements such as health clearances. The exact training and health clearance requirements for a particular person will depend on the hazards to which they are exposed.

All individuals listed on an active IBC protocol must complete the following training and health clearance requirements before engaging in any protocol related activities:

All PIs listed on an active IBC protocol and all individuals listed on an active IBC protocol involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids must complete the following training before engaging in any protocol-related activities:

  • IBC Policy / Recombinant DNA Training and Quiz

The IBC also requires that all investigators and their research personnel register with and annually update the Research Occupational Health Program.

In addition, new IBC proposals will require a BUA Site Assessment by Environmental Health and Safety Office.

 


Required Trainings

Laboratory Safety Training for Researchers

For researchers at both BUMC & CRC.

Laboratory safety training for researchers is now offered two ways: in the classroom and online. Personnel can choose to attend either. Both are accessed through SciShield platform.


Agent-Specific Training

For researchers at both BUMC & CRC 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 ROHP.

Email to Register

As of September 2019, following agent-specific trainings are available:

  • Arenaviruses, Bunyaviruses and Paramyxoviruses
  • Chikungunya Virus
  • Dengue Virus
  • Ebola and Marburg Virus
  • Francisella tularensis
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Polio, Coxsackie, EV-D68, EV-D70 and EV-A71
  • West Nile Virus
  • Yersinia pestis
  • Yellow Fever Virus
  • Zika Virus

Biosafety Level-3 Training

For researchers at BUMC only, 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.

Register via SciShield


Recombinant DNA/IBC Policies Training

All principal investigators with IBC protocols will be expected to complete this annual training and quiz as part of their yearly update process. The training is online and will take about an hour to complete.

Training applies for both BUMC & CRC.

Register via SciShield


Select Agent Training

For researchers at BUMC only, who are working with biological select agents or toxins, as required by the BU 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.

Email to Register


Laboratory Safety Training for Summer Programs

For students enrolled in summer programs at BUMC & CRC.

Boston University and Boston Medical Center often host summer programs that allow students to work in BU or BMC research or teaching laboratories. This 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.

Email to Register


Other Training that May Be Required

Human Subjects Protection Training:

EHS Training:

Basic Radiation Safety Training

Laboratory Safety Coordinator Training

Laser Safety Training

Laser Safety Refresher Training

Principal Investigator Safety Training

Basic Radiation Training

Radiation Refresher Training

Safety and Infection Prevention Training

Shipping Biologicals

Complete these trainings in Scishield

Learn more on the EHS website.

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