The biosafety certificate program was developed by EH&S to provide a level of recognition to all workers in biological laboratories. Individuals who attend the prescribed courses will receive a certificate of achievement. The courses have been developed to minimize disruption to the individual´s schedules. Courses take about 1½ hours to complete, some may be shorter in length. Unless otherwise indicated, the courses will be presented by the Biosafety Officer and/or the Assistant Biosafety Officer. Some courses may be taken on-line, for example, IACUC training.
To complete the biosafety certificate program, individuals will need to take the four required courses listed and choose any three courses in the electives section. The program will help lab managers, research technicians, and students to increase safety in the biological laboratory. Anyone can register at the Office of Organizational Development for the classes. All classes will currently be taught in the EH&S conference room at 490 10th Street, Third Floor.
Individuals who do not want to participate in the biosafety certificate program can attend any of the classes at their discretion. It is not necessary to register for the biosafety certificate program to take individual courses. If the individual decides to complete the certificate program at a later date, any courses taken will automatically be included in their course work.
The following classes are currently being offered through EH&S:
General Biosafety — Safety in the biological laboratory environment is an important mission of all research personnel at Georgia Tech. This course will discuss all the guidelines, regulations, and management practices for conducting and maintaining a safe laboratory environment. Topics covered include review of research by biosafety committees, basic biosafety information, waste disposal, sharps handling, GT shipping rules, and much more. New researchers and students are required to attend this training upon starting research and an annual refresher.
Bloodborne Pathogens — Bloodborne pathogens are of great concern to researchers dealing with human tissues, bone, teeth, organs, cell lines, blood, or other bodily fluids. The course teaches students universal precautions as well as the causes of bloodborne diseases, proper personal protective equipment, and the regulatory basis for a bloodborne pathogens program.
Hygiene Plan Writing/ Biosecurity — All research projects require a hygiene plan that will establish procedures for exposure control, work practices, waste handling, and much more. This class will teach attendees the importance of each section and how to make appropriate choices for the plan based on research risks. The class will also discuss biosecurity due to the increasing important of deterring loss, theft, misuse and release of biological agents.
Understanding Biosafety Cabinets — Many Georgia Tech researchers conduct activities inside of a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC). The BSC is an important piece of laboratory safety but can be misused. This class will teach the basic types of BSC, proper usage techniques, and maintenance.
Elective Courses:
IACUC Training — This training is required for all researchers listed on an animal protocol. Only those listed on an approved protocol can use this class as an elective. The class is available online at the IACUC website. (http://www.compliance.gatech.edu/)
Recombinant DNA—This class focuses on the history, regulation, and proper handling of rDNA. Students will learn about the various categories of research covered, the committee structure approving rDNA research, and responsibilities of principal investigators and other researchers.
Zoonoses and Allergens — Researchers and animal care workers come into close contact with potentially harmful animals on a regular basis. The allergens and in part disease of laboratory animals has become an increasing concern in occupational health and research facilities. This class will cover the potential diseases carried by laboratory animals as well as the issues surrounding allergens produced by animals. The class will also cover ways to decrease potential exposures.
Select Agents and Toxins — The regulations surrounding the Select Agents and Toxins can be confusing and illogical. This course will cover the reasoning behind inclusion of the agents, proper registration, and proper handling for select agents and toxins.
Bacterial Agent Summaries — The CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) covers characteristics of a number of important and commonly used research bacteria. These summaries will be presented and discussed in depth. Discussion will included occupational infections, lab safety, containment, and other special issues.
Viral Vectors — As genetic engineering research increases viral vectors are becoming an important safety issue. The class will cover the history of viral vectors, current systems, and proper usage of viral vectors.
Decontamination and Disinfection — Proper laboratory safety requires diligent decontamination and disinfection. The course will cover the various classes of disinfectants, proper usage of disinfectants as well as the classes and proper usage of decontamination equipment.
Fungal, Rickettsial and Parasitic Agent Summaries — The CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) covers characteristics of these important and commonly used research microorganisms. These summaries will be presented and discussed in depth. Discussion will included occupational infections, lab safety, containment, and other special issues.
Viral Agent Summaries — The CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) covers characteristics of a number of important and commonly used research viruses. These summaries will be presented and discussed in depth. Discussion will included occupational infections, lab safety, containment, and other special issues.
Animal Biosafety Levels — Housing and handling of research animals involves several criteria based on factors around the animal. This class will cover the standard practices, equipment, and facility design to protect researchers as well as animals from harm.
Toxin Agent Summaries — The CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) covers characteristics of a number of important and commonly used research toxins. These summaries will be presented and discussed in depth. Discussion will included occupational infections, lab safety, containment, and other special issues
Research with Human Derived Materials — Human cells, blood, bone, organs, and tissues can be contaminated with a variety of pathogens. This class will discuss the importance and method of proper handling of human cultures as well as teach how to evaluate hazards associated with human cultures.
Research with Mammalian Derived Materials — Mammalian cells, blood, bone, organs, and tissues can be contaminated with a variety of pathogens. This class will discuss the importance and method of proper handling of mammalian cultures as well as teach how to evaluate hazards associated with mammalian cultures.