Biosafety Training Information
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) online training program
Effective March 1, 2015, any person involved with the use, handling or storage of biohazards is required by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) to complete a special course in Biosafety and Biosecurity (BSS). A refresher course must then be completed every 5 (five) years to stay in compliance with the new IBC requirement. Additionally, any person or student that works in any biosafety level (BSL) laboratory must also complete the course Biosafety and Biosecurity online, regardless of the project assigned.
The course is available through the University’s subscription to the online training program and is designed to provide a comprehensive, conceptual framework for the responsible and safe use of biohazards in research and teaching. Click here for CITI online training program.
For any CITI training, create an account on the CITI website and follow the instructions below.
Briefly, an online survey consisting of several required and optional questions will populate your learner account and assign you to the appropriate Learner Group. The answers to question #8 will automatically populate your individualized Biosafety related course curriculum.
New to CITI? Download instructions for initial set up of your CITI account.
Already have a CITI account? Download instructions to add the Biosafety & Biosecurity Course.
Need to Affiliate with UNC Charlotte’s CITI Account? Download instructions on Affiliating with Another Institution.
Online Biosafety required courses available at CITI and the groups that must take it:
- Laboratory Personnel BSS: Researchers, students, special volunteers, and any person that works in a BSL-1, BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratory.
- Principal Investigators BSS: Director/Head/Principal Investigators planning to use or handle biohazards.
- OSHA BBP: Researchers, students, special volunteers, and any person that works with human or human-derived material including human cell lines.
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules: Any lab member that works with or handles recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids.
- Shipping and Transport of Regulated Biological Materials: Any lab member or staff that prepares the material, the package or the paperwork for shipping dangerous goods materials (including laboratory samples and dry ice). Note: Training certificate is valid for 2-years.
- Animal Biosafety: Researchers, Principal Investigators, students, special volunteers, and any person that injects infectious microorganisms into animals.
- USDA Permits: Researchers, Principal Investigators, students, special volunteers, and any person that works with material regulated by USDA.
- Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Members BSS: IBC members (optional course).
Autoclave Use
The Biosafety Office will host autoclave training session on the 2nd Friday each month (10:30am-12:00pm). Please fill out the Autoclave Training Form to receive an invitation to the session. This training will provide a foundation for steam sterilization and solid waste decontamination. It will NOT replace required in-person training by responsible PI to operate the equipment on campus.
The link provided here provides an overview of autoclave use for initial or refresher training for all lab personnel who are expected to work with autoclaves. Source: David Gillum, Arizona State University, YouTube video published November 6, 2015.
NOTE: The video advises that clear OR red biohazard bags can be used for autoclaving for ultimate disposal in regular trash. However, the video was made at an institution located in another state. Please consult your PI, the Biosafety Program at 704-687-1825 or posted signage to follow appropriate autoclaving techniques which are in line with NC regulated waste disposal laws.
Autoclave Validation Log Sheet – Weekly BI testing
Biohazard Waste Disposal Chart (Sharps/Solids/Liquids/Other)
Proper Use of a Biosafety Cabinet
Click here for a video series on the proper use of a Biosafety Cabinet developed by NuAire (biosafety cabinet manufacturer). These video tutorials will provide a basic overview of the proper practices of operating the Biosafety Cabinet. This does not replace the require training outlined in an approved IBC protocol.
Need more information? Contact:
Biosafety Program 704-687-1825