This eLearning is approved by the Royal Society of Biology. Training course approval is an independent review process that recognises relevant, high quality training. Upon completion of this course, attendees can claim 15 CPD points.
Who should complete this course?
This eLearning is aimed at anyone involved in the design and operation of biological laboratories, including:
- Health, safety and biosafety advisors and professionals
- Facility mangers and coordinators
- Managers (including science and operations)
Note: The material presented in this eLearning is based primarily on universal principles, such as those outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). While this eLearning mentions specific UK and international law at different points, this is to provide examples of how some of those fundamental principles are legislated. Hence, this eLearning is open to audiences from any country or geographical location.
Requirements and qualifications
Basic understanding of how biological laboratories are operated is recommended. This eLearning is presented in English.
Course details
- eLearning (self-directed)
- Approximately 5 hours to complete
- £400 ex VAT
- Internet access required
- Approved by The Royal Society of Biology
- 15 CPD points
Course description
Research involving pathogens of animals and humans must be carried out in biological laboratory facilities where engineering controls, procedural controls, and personal protective equipment are used to ensure that those pathogens are not transmitted to laboratory staff, or released into the environment.
This eLearning provides an overview of how laboratory design and operation, biosafety-critical laboratory equipment and good microbiological practice and procedures are implemented to achieve this goal. It is divided into five parts:
- Principles of Biological Containment
- Laboratory Design and Operation
- Biosecurity
- Biosafety-Critical Equipment
- Good Microbiological Practice and Procedures
Note: Contents of this eLearning are also included in the Biorisk Advisor Training.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this eLearning you will be able to:
- Describe the purpose of biological containment
- Explain primary containment and secondary containment
- Explain the design and operation requirements for containment level 2, 3 and 4 laboratories (including laboratory shell and furniture, sealability, ventilation, air filtration, waste sterilisation equipment, decontamination equipment, building management system, redundancy)
- Describe maintenance and testing requirements for biosafety-critical equipment
- Describe components of laboratory biosecurity
- Describe the function and principles of operation of biosafety-critical laboratory equipment (e.g. biological safety cabinets)
- Describe principles of good microbiological practice and procedure
Assessment and certificate
Each part of this eLearning will end with a multiple-choice quiz with a pass mark of 70%. Upon successful completion you will receive a certificate of completion.
Please note that the knowledge of specific legislation or quality standards is not part of the learning objectives and will not be tested during the assessment.
Next steps
Contact Pirbright Training to enrol, or for further information.
