Abstract
As the number of individuals working in high biocontainment laboratories (BSL-3 and -4) increases over time, human error remains one of the most important factors in the origin of hazardous incidents in laboratories. With support from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the Southeast Regional Center of Excellence for Emerging Infections and Biodefense (SERCEB) supported construction of a mock BSL-4 laboratory for training on the Emory Campus, and development of a curriculum for BSL-3 and -4 training. In close collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other scientists and safety professionals, the Rollins School of Public Health has developed one-week, intensive behaviorally-based (“hands-on”) training courses for those working in BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories. Since January 2005, over 200 scientists, graduate students and staff have successfully participated in these courses, and the evaluations have been excellent. Long-term evaluation of participants' knowledge retention and practice is still needed. Separately, we are collaborating with scientists and safety professionals at individual institutions to develop tailored onsite training programs for individuals at their own facilities. In addition, we are planning video and distance-based electronic modules for biosafety training.