Past events & courses

This course discusses the different lab layouts for BSL-1 and BSL-2 facilities. Particular attention is given to the personnel and material flows in different settings. 

Animal by-products (ABP) are defined as entire bodies or parts of animals, products of animal origin or other products obtained from animals, which are not intended for human consumption.

The value of risk analysis and assessment and the subsequent selection of adapted and most effective safety measures should not only be appreciated after an incident already happened, but also when evaluating new facilities and activities. Its use in investigation of an incident is crucial to determine where otherwise sensible measures failed. 

Fortunately most laboratories never experience a significant incident (accident, ill-health or damage to property, equipment or the environment) but what about the less serious, apparently trivial incidents that may get ignored and/or not even reported.    Such events could potentially give rise to more significant outcomes under only slightly different circumstances, e.g. more hazardous material being handled.

A lack of competence has contributed to a number of major accidents and has been identified as a key underlying cause of incidents in biocontainment facilities.

Laboratory facilities can be rapidly evolving environments, as projects or techniques change, so do the requirements of the laboratories and equipment. 

From minor lab mishaps to large accidents, biosafety professionals have a pivotal role in minimizing unwanted effects of biological agents when normal biosafety or biosecurity operational controls fail. The course introduces participants to emergency management and its key components (preparedness, response, contingency, crisis management, recovery and investigation). 

Recent breaches of biosafety and biosecurity have emphasised that management failure is normally the root cause of accidents and incidents with biological agents and toxins. 

Effective communication, persuasion, motivation in internal and external communication