Cognitive and Practical Biosafety Education
This education program seeks to increase awareness of biological hazards encountered in biodefense and emerging disease research laboratories, to provide a scientific basis for assessing risks associated with this research, to provide guidance on recommended practices and to promote the development of required skills to work safely with human pathogens. The object of safety awareness and practice is to assure laboratory and support personnel that-with proper precautions, equipment and facilities-biohazardous materials can be handled without undue risk to themselves, their associates, their families, and the environment.
This program is intended trained microbiologists, clinicians, scientists trained in other disciplines and other individuals involved, either directly or indirectly, with biodefense or emerging disease research.
The safety principles promoted are based on scientific risk assessment, sound safety practices, common sense, good housekeeping, thorough personal hygiene, and a plan for responding to accidents. It is likely that laboratories that are well organized and procedurally disciplined are not only effective scientifically, but also safe.
It is our intention to hold this course at least once per year at the University of Chicago or other institutions affiliated within the GLRCE and we will enroll 20 to 25 individuals. The tuition will be free for GLRCE investigators, but the costs of room and board will be supported by the investigators. The GLRCE Administrative Core will aid with the registration process, and will be responsible for verifying the credentials of all applicants (social security number, U.S. Citizenship status, employment/student status, current research effort, and good standing) with their parent institution. The course will be advertised through electronic mailings to all Region V academic institutions, and will be posted on the GLRCE website.
Download the 2010 BSL3 Training application form (in word format)
