Training Requirements & Available Courses

Training Requirements

What training is required of laboratory personnel?

Available Courses

Use the list below of available courses to see details, schedules and sign up.
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Online Classes
Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training
This is an introductory course in laboratory safety to be completed prior to attending the classroom course Laboratory Safety at the NIH. This course introduces laboratory personnel to common hazards and exposure risks, including chemical, radiological and biological hazards that are found in NIH research laboratories. The course provides instruction on how to prevent exposure to these hazards and emergency response procedures in case of exposure. The course covers NIH waste handling procedures as well as provides useful information on methods to ensure the research laboratory is free from common physical hazards. This course also provides information on security policies and procedures on the NIH campus as well as in the research laboratory.

Course Availability:  This course is an on-line course. Login Below.

Requirement:  Mandatory training for new laboratory research employees including visiting scientists, summer research associates, and summer students.

Course Availability:  1 hour

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Laboratory Safety Refresher Course - On-line Training
This is a refresher course on laboratory safety for employees and visitors, including summer research associates and summer students who have completed the "Laboratory Safety at the NIH" classroom course. This course reviews and provides updates on safety procedures and policies that govern laboratory safety at the NIH.

Prerequisite:  Laboratory Safety at the NIH

Requirement:  Annual completion is mandatory for all laboratory research personnel. This included returning summer students and returning summer research associates.

Course Availability:  1 hour

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Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Course - On-line Training
This course provides annual refresher training for research laboratory personnel who work with human blood, body fluid or tissues, or other bloodborne pathogens in the research laboratory and have previously attended the "Working Safely with HIV and other Bloodborne Pathogens" Course. This course will provide researchers with the latest information bloodborne pathogen risks in the research laboratory as well as provide information for means on protection from potential occupational exposures.

Prerequisite:  Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens

Requirement:  Annual attendance is required for all laboratory research personnel who work with potential bloodborne pathogens, and who have already attended "Working Safely with HIV and other Bloodborne Pathogens in the Research Laboratory".

Course Availability:  1.5 hours

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Classroom Lead Classes
Laboratory Safety at the NIH
This MANDATORY course is a follow on to the introductory computer-based laboratory safety training course to provide additional training on the recognition and control of common physical, chemical and biological hazards found in NIH research laboratories. The course provides required information on NIH policies and procedures for working safely in the research laboratory as well as methods for hazardous waste minimization. The course provides information on engineering and personal protective equipment as well as the NIH medical surveillance program available through the Division of Occupational Health and Safety, Occupational Medical Service. Students are tested on course material at the conclusion of class. A passing score is required for certificate and award of .3 IACET CEUs

Course Availability:  approximately two times per month

DateTimeBldg / Room
12/10/2008 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg. 10, Lipsett Aud.
1/14/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg. 10, Lipsett Aud.
1/27/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Natcher, Balcony A
2/19/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Natcher, Balcony A
3/19/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Natcher, Balcony A
4/7/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Natcher, Balcony A
4/23/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg 10, Masur Auditorium
5/14/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Natcher, Balcony A
5/28/2009 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Natcher, Balcony A
Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Mandatory training for research laboratory employees

Course Availability:  3 hours

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Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens
This course provides research personnel with information on working safely with bloodborne pathogens in NIH research laboratories in accordance with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). This course specifically discusses work practices in Biological Safety Level 2 and 3 laboratories, common methods of bloodborne pathogen exposures and the use of various controls to help prevent exposure. The course outlines steps to take in case of a potential exposure and reviews medical pathological waste disposal procedures. The course also reviews the Occupational Medical Service medical surveillance program including the hepatitis B vaccination program. Students are tested on course material at the conclusion of class. A passing score is required for certificate and award of .2 IACET CEUs

Course Availability:  approximately two times per month

DateTimeBldg / Room
12/9/2008 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Building 50, Rm1328/1334R
1/13/2009 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Building 50, Room 1227
1/27/2009 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Natcher, Balcony A
2/19/2009 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Natcher, Balcony A
3/19/2009 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Natcher, Balcony A
4/7/2009 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Natcher, Balcony A
4/23/2009 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Natcher, Balcony A
5/14/2009 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Natcher, Balcony A
5/28/2009 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Natcher, Balcony A
Prerequisite:  Laboratory Safety at the NIH

Requirement:  Mandatory training course for all laboratory research employees who may be potentially exposed to bloodborne pathogens. This training must be completed by all employees before working with human blood, body fluids, and/or tissues, human or nonhuman primate retroviruses, hepatitis B and C viruses or other bloodborne pathogens. Annual update training is required and can be accomplished by attending the "Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training" course.

Course Availability:  2 hours

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Shipping Biological Materials Training
DOHS sponsors a one-day certification course for all personnel involved in the shipping of infectious substances, diagnostic specimens, biological specimens and dry ice classified as "dangerous goods." The course provides personnel with the knowledge and certification to be a shipper of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens. A general awareness of existing regulations for the transportation of Dangerous Goods as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) is provided. As most infectious substances and diagnostic specimens are shipped by air, the more restrictive air transport regulations will be the focus of the course. The course will use, as its core reference, the latest Edition of the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR).

Course Availability:  approximately every other month

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Course Availability:  8 hours

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Biological Safety Level 3 Training
This is specialty training provided to those who work in BSL-3 laboratories. Training dates are arranged through the Institute Occupational Safety and Health Specialist.

Course Availability:  on request

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Prerequisite:  Laboratory Safety at the NIH

Requirement:  NIH Laboratory Safety and Working Safely with HIV and other bloodborne pathogens

Course Availability:  2 hours

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S.T.A.R.S. "Learn by Doing" Lab Safety Training
All new and returning students working in a NIH laboratory who are within this age range (21 and under) are required to complete the “Learn-by Doing” laboratory safety training. A broad range of laboratory topics will be covered including, but not limited to: the principles of biosafety; chemical handling and use; common laboratory hazards; and emergency preparedness. The learning objectives will be met through active dialogue between students and instructors. Students will work in small groups with an instructor to practice and learn safe laboratory techniques and practices, as well as the rules of safe conduct. Learning exercises will stress problem solving and challenge critical thinking skills. To demonstrate material comprehension, attendees must complete a quiz. An 85% minimum passing grade is required. Students are tested on course material at the conclusion of class. A passing score is required for certificate and award of .35 IACET CEUs.

Course Availability:  Summer May-July

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Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Required for laboratory employees age 21 and younger

Course Availability:  3 hours

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Police Force General Awareness Lab Safety
General lab awareness for Police Officers.

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Requirement:  NIH Police Officer's are require to take this annual training

Course Availability:  1 hour

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