Introduction to Biological Safety

The Introduction to Biological Safety online course covers the basic principles of biological safety including an introduction to risk assessment, containment and control for work involving biological agents and genetically modified organisms.

Course topics

  • Basic legal requirements for work with biological agents and genetically modified organisms
  • Reference to relevant legislation and guidance sources that may apply
  • Risk assessment for work with biological agents and genetically modified organisms
  • Hazards of biological materials
  • Hazard group and activity class categorizations
  • Routes of exposure or release
  • Containment and controls for work with biological agents and genetically modified organisms
  • Containment levels and laboratories
  • Fieldwork
  • Control measures
  • Emergency procedures

Access to Training

STAFF This course is available in People and Money.  Please use the button below to self-enrol on the course.

STUDENTS This course is available in Learn Ultra.  Learn Ultra does not allow students to self-enrol, so please email safety.training@ed.ac.uk with your name, your student number and the name of the course you wish enrolled on, and this will be manually done by a member of the Health and Safety department.

Suitability

This online course is suitable for all those working in laboratories, animal and plant facilities and those doing fieldwork. Anyone undertaking work in the University or in the field involving biological agents or genetically modified organisms should complete this e-learning session.

It is also suitable for those who may no longer work in the laboratory but have managerial, supervisory or advisory responsibilities in these areas.

Duration

This online course lasts around 3 hours.

Assessment

A short assessment must be passed to complete the training.

Lecture and training slides

The training slides from the course are available in the course.