Biological Safety Training

Who’s required to complete biological safety training?

All researchers that will work with microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses), human cell lines, transgenic animals, preserved and unpreserved animal and human specimens, human cadavers, nanotechnology using biological materials, or human gene transfer studies are required to complete biological safety training at UWM.

When are there training sessions available?

Please use this link to schedule biosafety training: Biological Safety Training Sign-Up.

Dates are as listed below:

If I’m working with recombinant/ synthetic nucleic acid molecules, do I need any additional training?

All researchers working with recombinant DNA, synthetic nucleic acid molecules, genetically-modified animals (transgenic mice, zebrafish, etc.), or plan on creating modified-organisms should complete CITI program training going over the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules or attend a training session and read the Guidelines (available online). This is in addition to biosafety training and any other pertinent training. It is required for you to understand the NIH Guidelines if you plan on conducting rDNA research.

Training Sessions are available on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, September 12, 2018 1:00-3:00 PM
  • Friday, September 21, 2018 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
  • Monday, October 8, 2018 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
  • Monday, November 12, 2018 1:00-3:00 PM
  • Monday, December 10, 2018 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Each session will be held in Engelmann Hall, Room 242/ 248. Use this link to sign up for NIH Guidelines Training: Biosafety Training/ NIH Training Sign-Up.

Seating is limited to first 15 registered individuals, so please register ASAP.

Are there other training opportunities offered that I should complete for my research/ teaching facility?

Bloodborne Pathogens: Visit the UWM Bloodborne Pathogen Page for more information.All researchers that work with human blood, human cells, and/ or human tissues are required to complete Bloodborne Pathogens Training. After the Fall term, all Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Researchers will be completed through CITI Program, not through our UWM page.

Laboratory Safety/ Chemical Hygiene: All researchers in all labs at UWM must take this training, offered through EHS & Risk Management. Interested parties can sign up by sending an email to herrigej@uwm.edu. 

Radiation Safety: Anyone working with radioactive materials is required to work with our radiation safety officer to ensure we are compliant with the federal government and that they are properly trained. Visit the Radiation Safety Training Page for more information.

Respirator Fit Testing: Visit the Respiratory Protection Page for more information. Anyone using a respirator at UWM must complete training and an occupational health screening.

Viral Vectors: If you plan on working with viral vectors, and have not had an educational background in it, or would like your research group to receive training, contact the Biological Safety Officer to coordinate a viral vector training session for your research group.

Shipping and Transport of Regulated Biological Materials: If you plan on shipping live organisms, we have online CITI Program training available for you to ensure you comply with all federal and international shipping and transport regulations. It is required that you complete the training if you plan on shipping biological materials. Contact the Biological Safety Officer for more information.

Animal Biosafety: All personnel working with animals and biohazards must complete the online course through CITI program. Contact the Biological Safety Officer for more information.

Biosafety and Biosecurity in Teaching Laboratories: This face-to-face session is for TAs and course instructors teaching laboratories that handle biological materials. It is provided in addition to biosafety training, and is intended to provide the instructors with the information necessary to evaluate their biosafety practices, security of materials in the classroom, and the type of training they are providing to their students. The next session will be scheduled in mid-August. Contact the Biological Safety Officer for more information.

Note: at this time there are no Select Agents/ Toxins or Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) at UWM. If you intend to conduct experiments that may fall under these regulations, please contact the Biological Safety Officer ASAP.

Training Presentation Notes

Click the link to download the Fall 2018 training presentation if you’d like to have these available for your records: Fall 2018 Biosafety Training Presentation.

Click the link to download the Fall 2018 NIH Guidelines (as of 8/29/18) Training notes for your records: NIH Guidelines Training Presentation.