Completing the IBC Training 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.
The PI is responsible for ensuring that his or her employees receive proper training in the biohazards and controls specific to his or her laboratory and the safe conduct of the experimental procedures to be used. The Biosafety Program provides different types of training associated with the BU and BMC biological, chemical, and radiological safety programs. Each of these has its own driver and emphasis.
Mandated general biosafety training is required for all laboratory workers (faculty, staff, students, and visiting scientists) at BU and BMC. The exact training required for a particular person will depend on the hazards to which he or she is exposed. “Laboratory Safety Training” is a training program offered by Environmental Health & Safety that is designed for those working in laboratories.
The BU Laboratory Safety Training is now available in two formats, both accessible from the SciShield platform.
BU Laboratory Safety Training
| Formats | Material Covered | Who can take this? |
| Classroom | Covers all topics | Anyone required to complete Lab safety training, BSL1/2 training, Blood Borne Pathogen training or Chemical Safety training |
| Online | Broken down into modules | Anyone taking any single module training or all of the above training |
Laboratory safety training satisfies the basic competency regulatory requirements for those working in labs. It does not satisfy the need for department-specific training, shipment of infectious agents, select agents, Biosafety Level 3 or 4 work, or other specialized training.
In addition to Annual Laboratory Safety Training, all personnel listed on an IBC protocol must register with the Research Occupation Health Program. (Please contact them directly at rohp@bu.edu or 617-358-7647.)
Accessing and Completing Office of Research Compliance Laboratory Safety Training
Step 1: Access and Registration
Anyone with BU credentials (Username and Kerberos password) can register for SciShield training modules
Go to the
SciShield.
Step 2: Available Trainings
Once you are logged in SciShield, all available Training courses can be found out by clicking the Training link (see below):
Course Directory sublink will then display all the available courses.
If you would prefer to take the course in person, classroom training sign up link will also be visible from the same course list.
Step 3: Course Information
To get more information on a particular course, click the name of the course as shown below:
Step 4: Taking the Course
To take a particular training, launch the training by clicking the link to the right of the name of the course as circled above. A new window will open up as displayed below. Follow on screen directions to take the course.
Step 5: Quiz
To complete the course you must also take the quiz as indicated on the bottom of the start page of the course. An example of such note is shown in the screenshot below. You must get a score greater than 80% or as specified for that particular test to successfully complete the quiz.
Step 6: Training Modules Requirement
Which Lab Safety Training Modules apply to me?
Required for all IBC protocols
Laboratory Safety Training: The Lab Safety Training is required for all members of laboratories and covers basic lab safety, including but not limited to fire safety, emergency evacuation, safety equipment, and hazard communication.
Biosafety Level 1 and 2 Training: Defines basic principles and safe practices to ensure labs work safely at biosafety levels 1 and 2.
Required for IBC protocols involving Hazardous Chemicals
Chemical Safety Training: Provides important information to ensure labs using hazardous chemicals can do so safely and in compliance with all regulations.
Required for IBC protocols using Human Materials
Bloodborne Pathogen Training: Raises awareness of blood borne pathogens, the BBP regulation, and exposure control in the work place.
Do I need to complete any other training to be compliant with the IBC?
Depending on the research project you will be working on and your exposure to various risk group agents or laboratory set-up, you may need to take additional training as defined by the IBC (which may include rDNA/IBC policy training, various agent-specific training, BSL-3 training, BSL-4 training and others).
The IBC may require additional trainings be completed as deemed appropriate.
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