Fundamentals of Biosafety

This 45-minute course is required for anyone working in research and related projects that involve recombinant DNA (unless exempted under the “NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules”), infectious agents (i.e., infectious to human, animal or plant), or human and non-human primate tissues, body fluids, or cultured cells (including cell lines). Course objectives include:

• Understanding how biological safety cabinets protect the user, the environment, and the work materials from contamination.
• Explain biohazards and risk assessment.
• Identify Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP).
• Differentiate biosafety levels and best practices.
• Describe disinfection methods and waste disposal.
• Prepare for accidental spills and exposures.
• Review shipping and transporting biological materials.