S.T.A.R.S. (Safe Techniques Advance Research Science) is a safety training program developed by the Division of Occupational Health and Safety, ORS. This new program is specifically designed for young research scientists, ages 21 and under, who work in NIH biomedical research laboratories.

Goals:

1. To provide students with the knowledge of a broad range of safety topics applicable to a biomedical research facility in a hands-on- “learning by doing” laboratory environment.
2. To foster critical thinking and problem solving skills vital to potential hazard recognition and accident prevention through mock learning scenarios and challenges.
3. Students will learn how important it is to stop, think, and apply safe laboratory practices when working at the NIH.

Training:

1. Computer-based training: Introduction to Laboratory Safety (required)
2. Learn by doing laboratory safety training (required)

What You Need to Know

Program Components

Computer-based Training. Laboratory Safety Training Course: Introduction to Laboratory Safety.

All new and returning students working in a NIH laboratory are required to complete this computer-based training course. It provides an overview of basic laboratory safe practices and an introduction to common chemical, biological, and physical hazards.

To register, visit the NIH Lab Safety Web site.

Upon completion of this course, please print the training certificate for your records.

“Learn-by-Doing” Laboratory 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.

This course is taught by occupational safety and health professionals who have practical working laboratory experience.

A broad range of laboratory topics will be covers 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. Students and teachers will problem solve and challenge critical thinking skills together through a series of learning exercises.

To demonstrate material comprehension, attendees must complete a quiz. An 85% minimum passing grade is required. If attendees required additional follow-up due to a low-scoring quiz grade, students will receive additional one-on-one instruction with the course instructors to ensure course completion and success.

You can learn more about S.T.A.R.S. here:

S.T.A.R.S. Brochure (PDF)

Dear S.T.A.R.S. Parents (PDF)

Summer Student Safety Training Requirements

Based upon your age and whether you are new or returning to the NIH, you will need to complete the following training requirements.

All NIH students need to review and practice Good Laboratory Practices. Take some time and review these pointers and avoid an accident!

Supervisors should prepare a parental consent letter for parents or legal guardians of minors to sign and return to the NIH. Minors are defined as students under the age of 18. This sample letter should be modified to include specific NIH assignments and potential hazards to which the student will be exposed. Specific IC supervisor contact information should be added, and the letter should be returned and maintained on file by the supervisor and/or IC student coordinator.

All supervisors of minors in the laboratory need to review this guidance document to ensure that minors are not exposed to certain hazardous materials while working in NIH laboratories. This document lists specific materials minors should not work with and areas in which a minor may not work. This document also provides information on additional unique responsibilities for supervisors of young research scientists. Please review with all supervisors of minors in NIH laboratories.