Mandated Training

It is the policy of the University of Chicago Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) that all investigators, technicians and students involved with research activities described on a given IBC Protocol be appropriately trained to mitigate research-associated risks as well as to ensure compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations and guidelines. Read about the training requirements in the IBC & HTRL-IBC Policy & Procedure Manual.

The following courses are offered via EHSA as well as through a classroom-based session.To access courses available via EHSA, a CNet ID or UCHADID and password are required.

Users wishing to attend ORS education and training courses via live, in-person training can register for these courses at:  https://ehsa.uchicago.edu/trainingregistration

• Biological Toxins: This course covers the definition of and regulation of biological toxins as well as the safety, security, decontamination methods and occupational health in relation to working with biological toxins. Training for this course must be renewed every 3 years. The course # is bio-005.
  
• Biological Safety – Recombinant DNA at BSL1 (rDNA/BSL1): This course covers the difference between risk groups and biosafety levels, NIH and UChicago policies on recombinant DNA, and work commonly conducted at Biosafety level 1. Training for this course must be renewed every 3 years. The course # is bio-001.
  
• Biological Safety – Recombinant DNA at BSL2 (rDNA/BSL2): This course covers the difference between risk groups and biosafety levels, NIH and UChicago policies on recombinant DNA, work commonly conducted at Biosafety level 2, biosafety cabinets, occupational first aid, and biohazard spill response. Training for this course must be renewed every 3 years. The course # is bio-002.
  
• Biosafety Level 3 Operations: This course is only available on an as-needed basis to individuals that will work with select agents required to be handled in a biosafety level 3 facility. After clearance is granted, individuals needing this training should contact the Biological Safety Team for availability and planning.
• Bloodborne Pathogen for Biomedical Researchers (BBP): Material covered in this course includes OSHA standards for handling bloodborne pathogens (BBP), enforcement of those standards by the UChicago EH&S, the epidemiology and symptoms of BBP diseases, transmission, and UChicago’s exposure control program covering housekeeping, spill response, personal protective equipment (PPE) and disposal of waste. Training for this course must be renewed annually. The course # is occ-14w.
  
• Viral Vector: Material covered in this course includes an overview of common viral vectors used in research laboratories, their mechanisms of entry into a host cell, and whether or not they can integrate into the host genome. Training for this course must be renewed every 3 years. The course # is bio-003.
  
• Select Agent Training: Includes both Annual Biosafety, Biosecurity, Incident Response Training (Select Agent) and Annual Insider Threat Training (Select Agent) per the Select Agent SOP.  This training is only applicable to those working at the UC Howard T Ricketts Laboratory.