Training Requirements & Available Courses

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 Length / Duration:  1 hour

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 Length / Duration:  1 hour

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 Length / Duration:  1.5 hours

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 specific NIH policies and procedures for working safely in NIH research laboratories 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 programs 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 of 75% is required for certificate

Course Availability:  approximately two times per month

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Mandatory training for all research laboratory employees

Course Length / Duration:  3 hours

  FOR BALTIMORE RESEARCH CENTER EMPLOYEES ONLY.  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 specific NIH policies and procedures for working safely in NIH research laboratories 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 programs 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 of 75% is required for certificate

Course Availability:  approximately two times per month

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Mandatory training for BRC research laboratory employees

Course Length / Duration:  3 hours

This is a live refresher course of laboratory safety for employees and visitors, including summer research associates and summer students who have completed the "Laboratory Safety at the NIH" classroom course. The class takes place in actual laboratories in small group settings.   This is a hands-on class arranged for review and update on safety procedures and policies while learning about hazard recognition in laboratories.  

Course Availability:  Intermittent as lab space is available

Prerequisite:  Laboratory Safety at the NIH

Requirement:  This is a substitute for on-line lab safety refresher training.

Course Length / Duration:  2 hours

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 exposures. 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 programs including the hepatitis B vaccination program. Students are tested on course material at the conclusion of class. A passing score of 75% is required for certificate.

Course Availability:  approximately two times per month

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 Length / Duration:  2 hours

  FOR BALTIMORE RESEARCH CENTER EMPLOYEES ONLY.  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 exposures. 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 programs including the hepatitis B vaccination program. Students are tested on course material at the conclusion of class. A passing score of 75% is required for certificate.

Course Availability:  approximately twice per month

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 Length / Duration:  2 hours

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.

Course Availability:  Summer May-July (At other times, take Laboratory Safety at the NIH)

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Lab Safety - On-Line Training

Requirement:  Required for summer student laboratory employees, age 21 and younger (At all other times, take Laboratory Safety at the NIH)

Course Length / Duration:  3 hours

DOHS sponsors a one-day certification course from an outside vendor 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 categories A and B infectious substances, biological substances, exempt human and animal specimens, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and dry ice. An awareness of existing regulations and their legal aspects for the transportation of Dangerous Goods as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) is provided.  The course will use, as its core reference, the latest Edition of the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR).  This course provides hands-on activities to enhance knowledge retention. A certificate of training is awarded upon demonstration of a student's knowledge and understanding of the regulations.  

Course Availability:  approximately every other month

Requirement:  This class or it's equivalent is required for all NIH personnel involved in the shipment of biological material.

Course Length / Duration:  8 hours

This is a 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. This 2 hour lecture class provides information specific to working safely in NIH Biosafety Level 3 laboratories.  The unique features of the BSL-3 laboratory will be explained along with security and entry and exit procedures.  Practices and procedures for BLS-3 laboratories will be explored using case studies of laboratory acquired infections. Waste disposal practices specific to these laboratories are also outlined.  Comprehension of material will be determined by a quiz.  A passing score of 80% is required for successful completion and certificate award.

Course Availability:  Contact your DOHS Occupational Safety and Health Specialist

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 Length / Duration:  2 hours

This is a specialty training provided to those who provide support services to NIH BSL-3 laboratories (only). This 1 hour lecture class provides information specific to working safely around NIH Biosafety Level 3 laboratories. The unique features of the BSL-3 laboratory will be explained along with security and entry and exit procedures. Practices and procedures for BLS-3 laboratories will be explored. Waste disposal practices specific to these laboratories are also outlined. Comprehension of material will be determined by a quiz. A passing score of 80% is required for successful completion and certificate award.

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

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

Requirement:  Special Training Arrangements need to be made through DOHS & PI.

Course Length / Duration:  1 hour

Do you want to know more about autoclaves and how they work? Place this address in your web browser for an Autoclave Safety video, made in cooperation with Dartmouth College. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T901F2W7wks This Autoclave Safety video is also available in Spanish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zysz2g2yOS8 German: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6YEbuAih8M and in Chinese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTrAFZwK7r0