What are some of the best practices for biosafety training and competency evaluation?

1 Biosafety Levels and Containment

One of the first steps in biosafety training and competency evaluation is to determine the appropriate biosafety level (BSL) and containment requirements for the biological agents and activities involved. BSLs range from 1 to 4, with increasing levels of protection and control measures, depending on the degree of hazard and the likelihood of exposure. Containment refers to the physical and operational barriers that prevent the release of biological agents from the laboratory. Containment can be achieved by using primary barriers, such as biosafety cabinets and personal protective equipment, and secondary barriers, such as airlocks and autoclaves. Biosafety training and competency evaluation should cover the rationale, specifications, and procedures for the assigned BSL and containment.

2 Biosafety Risk Assessment and Management

Another key component of biosafety training and competency evaluation is to conduct a biosafety risk assessment and management for each laboratory activity involving biological agents. A biosafety risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the potential hazards and consequences of exposure to biological agents, as well as the existing control measures and their effectiveness. A biosafety risk management is a process of selecting and implementing appropriate control measures to reduce the risks to acceptable levels, as well as monitoring and reviewing their performance. Biosafety training and competency evaluation should include the principles, methods, and tools for biosafety risk assessment and management, as well as the roles and responsibilities of laboratory personnel.

3 Biosafety Standard Operating Procedures and Protocols

A third essential element of biosafety training and competency evaluation is to follow the biosafety standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols that have been established for the laboratory. Biosafety SOPs and protocols are written documents that describe the steps, precautions, and rules for performing specific laboratory activities involving biological agents. They are based on the results of the biosafety risk assessment and management, and they reflect the BSL and containment requirements. Biosafety training and competency evaluation should ensure that laboratory personnel are familiar with, understand, and comply with the biosafety SOPs and protocols, as well as the consequences of non-compliance.

5 Biosafety Communication and Reporting

A fifth crucial factor of biosafety training and competency evaluation is to communicate and report on biosafety issues and incidents that affect or may affect the laboratory. Biosafety communication and reporting are processes of exchanging and documenting information on biosafety matters, such as risks, controls, incidents, investigations, corrective actions, lessons learned, best practices, or regulatory requirements. Biosafety communication and reporting involve various stakeholders, such as laboratory personnel, managers, supervisors, biosafety officers, health care providers, regulators, or external partners. Biosafety training and competency evaluation should address the objectives, methods, and channels of biosafety communication and reporting, as well as the ethical and legal implications.

6 Biosafety Continuous Improvement and Evaluation

A sixth and final component of biosafety training and competency evaluation is to continuously improve and evaluate the biosafety performance and culture of the laboratory. Biosafety continuous improvement and evaluation are processes of measuring, analyzing, and enhancing the biosafety outcomes, processes, and systems of the laboratory, based on the feedback, data, and evidence collected from various sources. Biosafety continuous improvement and evaluation aim to identify gaps, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or challenges in biosafety, and to implement changes or actions that lead to better biosafety practices and results. Biosafety training and competency evaluation should incorporate the principles, techniques, and tools for biosafety continuous improvement and evaluation, as well as the recognition and reward of biosafety achievements.