Training Requirements & Available Courses

DOHS

Training Requirements

Training requirements are dependent upon trainee type and previous training experience at NIH:

New or otherwise not previously trained personnel must take:

  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online training)
  • Laboratory Safety at the NIH (classroom training)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training**

Annually, after receiving initial training personnel must take:

  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training** (online)
** Bloodborne Pathogen training classes are required of only personnel who work with human blood, body fluids or tissues in the laboratory OR any pathogen that is infectious to humans via blood body fluids or tissues.


Summer Students, (arriving in May, June, July) have special requirements based on age and type:

Under 18 Years Old 18-21 Years Old 22 Years and Older
New Students »
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online training)
  • STARS* "Learn By Doing" Lab Safety Training
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online training)
  • STARS* "Learn By Doing" Lab Safety Training
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training**
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online training)
  • Laboratory Safety at the NIH (classroom training)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training**
Returning Students »
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training** (online)
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (Online)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training** (online)
 * STARS: Safe Techniques Advance Research Science
** as applicable

Available Courses

Use the list below of available courses to see details, schedules and sign up.
View Online Classes » View Classroom Lead Classes »

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

» Back to Top Register for Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

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

» Back to Top Register for Laboratory Safety Refresher Course - On-line Training

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 for Non-Hospital Personnel

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

» Back to Top Register for Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Course - On-line Training

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

DateStatusTimeBldg / Room
9/14/2010 Full (click date to enter waitlist) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg 45, Balcony B
9/29/2010 Open 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Bldg 45, Balcony B
10/19/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg 45, Balcony A
11/16/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg 45, Balcony A
12/7/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg 45, Balcony A
1/11/2011 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bldg 45, Balcony A
Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Mandatory training for research laboratory employees

Course Availability:  3 hours

» Back to Top Register for Laboratory Safety at the NIH

Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens for Non-Hospital Personnel

This MANDATORY 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

DateStatusTimeBldg / Room
9/14/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Bldg 45, Balcony B
9/29/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bldg 45, Balcony B
10/19/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Bldg 45, Balcony A
11/16/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Bldg 45, Balcony A
12/7/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Bldg 45, Balcony A
1/11/2011 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Bldg 45, 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

» Back to Top Register for Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens for Non-Hospital Personnel

S.T.A.R.S. "Learn by Doing" Lab Safety Training

All new summer 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

No Upcoming Courses at this moment. Please check back later
Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Required for laboratory employees age 21 and younger

Course Availability:  3 hours

» Back to Top Register for S.T.A.R.S. "Learn by Doing" Lab Safety Training

Laboratory Safety at the NIH (Baltimore Campus)

  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.  This course provides the required information on NIH policies and procedures for working safely in the research laboratory as well as methods for hazardous waste minimization. This course provides information on engineering and personal protective equipment as well as the NIH medical survelliance 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

DateStatusTimeBldg / Room
9/14/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM BRC 04C211
10/19/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM BRC 04C211
11/16/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM BRC 04C211
12/7/2010 Open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM BRC 03A519
Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Mandatory training for research laboratory employees

Course Availability:  3 hours

» Back to Top Register for Laboratory Safety at the NIH (Baltimore Campus)

Working Safely with HIV & Bloodborne Pathogens for Non-Hospital Personnel (Baltimore Campus)

This course provides research personnel with information on working safety with bloodborne pathogens in NIH research laboratories in accordance with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).  This course specifically discusses work pratices in Biological Safety Level 2 and 3 laboratories, common methods of bloodborne pathogen exposures and the use of various controls to help prevent exposure. This course outlines steps to take in case of a protential exposure and reviews medical pathological waste disposal procedures. It 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 twice per month

DateStatusTimeBldg / Room
9/14/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM BRC 04C211
10/19/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM BRC 03C227
11/16/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM BRC 05C409A
12/7/2010 Open 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM BRC 03A519
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

» Back to Top Register for Working Safely with HIV & Bloodborne Pathogens for Non-Hospital Personnel (Baltimore Campus)

STARS Learn By doing Lab Safety Training Classroom - Baltimore Campus

STARS training for lab Safety for summer students at the Baltimore Campus, BRC building.

No Upcoming Courses at this moment. Please check back later
Requirement:  Introduction to Lab Safety - online

Course Availability:  3 hours

» Back to Top Register for STARS Learn By doing Lab Safety Training Classroom - Baltimore Campus

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

DateStatusTimeBldg / Room
10/13/2010 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
10/14/2010 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
12/8/2010 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
12/9/2010 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
2/8/2011 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
2/9/2011 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
4/12/2011 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
4/13/2011 Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bldg 13, 1W77
Course Availability:  8 hours

» Back to Top Register for Shipping Biological Materials Training

Biological Safety Level 3 Training (Lecture)

This is specialty training provided to those who work in NIH BSL-3 laboratories (only).
Training dates are arranged through the Institute Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, DOHS.

Course Availability:  Contact your DOHS Occupational Safety and Health Specialist

DateStatusTimeBldg / Room
9/15/2010 Open 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Building 33, Rm 1N09
Prerequisite:  Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens for Non-Hospital Personnel

Requirement:  NIH Laboratory Safety and Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens with annual update training

Course Availability:  2 hours

» Back to Top Register for Biological Safety Level 3 Training (Lecture)

Biological Safety Level 3 (HANDS-ON)

The BSL-3 hands-on teaches proper laboratory technique in the BSL-3 laboratory arena.  This encompasses donning and doffing techniques, proper use of equipment and decontamination methods.

Course Availability:  On request

No Upcoming Courses at this moment. Please check back later
Requirement:  Special Training Arrangements need to be made through DOHS & PI.

Course Availability:  1 hour

» Back to Top Register for Biological Safety Level 3 (HANDS-ON)

Safety Committee Hazard Recognition

This is a special class arranged for NIH Safety Committee members to learn about hazard recognition in laboratories.  The class takes place in actual laboratories in small group settings

No Upcoming Courses at this moment. Please check back later
Course Availability:  2 hours

» Back to Top Register for Safety Committee Hazard Recognition

NIDA Safety New Hire Orientation

No Upcoming Courses at this moment. Please check back later
Requirement:  All NIDA New Personnel (Baltimore)

» Back to Top Register for NIDA Safety New Hire Orientation

CPR Awareness

No Upcoming Courses at this moment. Please check back later

» Back to Top Register for CPR Awareness