Training Policy for IBC
A. Purpose
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) seeks to ensure the qualifications of all IBC
personnel who handle rDNA and biohazardous materials to enable them to carry out their
responsibilities in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations. IBC must consider the
training and experience of personnel involved in conducting research as part of its protocol
review and approval.
B. Scope
This policy covers all personnel who are listed in an IBC protocol. IBC requires assurance that
IBC personnel involved in the use of rDNA and biohazardous materials in research be qualified
to perform their duties. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Research Occupational
Health Program (ROHP) are available to provide training or support to assist Principal
Investigators (PIs) to ensure that they and their IBC personnel are appropriately trained and
qualified.
C. Training Content
PI is required to inform IBC of the degree of qualification of all IBC personnel who will work
with rDNA and biohazardous materials. The Biological Use Authorization (IBC application
form) allows PIs to indicate the qualifications of each personnel including:
1. Prior training and experience. Specific information should be provided regarding the
anticipated work an individual will perform and if the individual is experienced with the
procedures involved.
2. Training and knowledge of NIH Guidelines and IBC policies. All PIs with IBC
protocols are required to complete this annual online “Recombinant DNA/ IBC Policies
Training” and quiz as part of IBC protocol annual renewal.
3. Initial laboratory safety training followed by annual refresher training: The
Laboratory Safety Training requirement can be fulfilled by attending a one and a half
hour in person session “Classroom Laboratory Safety Annual Training” or online “Initial
Laboratory Safety Training” via RIMS. The online training requires the completion of
the Universal Lab Safety Module and additional modules as applicable to the laboratory
work being conducted (i.e. Biosafety Training Level 1 & 2, Chemical Safety Training
and Bloodborne Pathogens module). After taking the initial training either online or in
person, the annual refresher requirement can be fulfilled by either repeating the in person
training or completing the “Laboratory Safety Annual Refresher Module” via RIMS.
4. Training and knowledge of other special conditions. This requirement is met by
completing training for “BSL-3 Annual Training”, “Select Agent Training”, “AgentSpecific Training for Francisella Tularensis, Tuberculosis, and Y Pestis”, “Shipping
Biologicals” Training, and others if applicable for research proposed in an IBC protocol.
5. Medical surveillance evaluation completed. This requirement is met by requiring IBC
personnel to submit an initial and annual Health Questionnaire available on the ROHP
website. In some cases, an exam, a TB test, vaccinations, or respirator fit testing may be
required for clearance.
6. Hands-on training. Training and demonstration of hands-on competence to handle
biologicals and perform protocol procedures with particular pathogens involved. This is
the responsibility of the PI; however, assistance is available through EHS and ROHP. In
addition to agent specific training, Agent Information Sheets (AIS ) and Agent Specific
Identification Cards are provided to all research personnel using biological agents with
the potential to cause Laboratory Acquired Infection (LAI). PIs are expected to
acknowledge in their IBC application when their personnel need additional training and
to schedule it before personnel begin work with agents.
7. Training by the Principal Investigator. PI will provide his/her IBC personnel with
laboratory specific training and supervision to ensure that all members of the project team
understand the protocol and how to carry out their roles and responsibilities under the
protocol safely.