Biosafety

What is Biosafety?

The concept of Biological Safety (or biosafety) has paralleled the development of the science of microbiology and its extension into new and related areas including tissue culture, recombinant DNA, animal studies, molecular biology, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. The knowledge and skill gained by microbiologists necessary to isolate, manipulate, and propagate pathogenic microorganisms required parallel development of containment principles, facility design, and practices and procedures to prevent occupational infections in the workplace or release of the organisms to the environment.

UC Irvine BSL-3 Laboratory Training

What is a Biosafety Professional?

A biosafety professional develops and participates in programs to promote safe microbiological practices, procedures, and proper use of containment equipment and facilities; stimulates responsible activities among workers; and provides advice on laboratory design.

Who Conducts Biosafety?

Regardless of background and education, biosafety professionals must develop knowledge of the principles of epidemiology, disease transmission patterns, risk-assessment and risk management, disinfection and sterilization, disease prevention, aerobiology and environmental control. Biosafety professionals include:

  • Microbiologists
  • Industrial Hygienists
  • Biologists
  • Engineers
  • Molecular Biologists
  • Veterinarians
  • Occupational Health Professionals
  • Environmental Health Professionals
  • Clinical Health Care Professionals
  • Biosecurity Professionals

Where do Biosafety Professionals Work?

The field of biosafety includes a range of positions and environments. Biosafety professionals find positions in:

  • Universities
  • Hospitals
  • Research facilities
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Military and government agencies
  • Biotechnology industry

How do I Prepare for a Career in Biological Safety?

  • Take microbiology courses at an accredited university, which may include courses in virology, medical or pathogenic microbiology, plant microbiology, and mycology
  • Take additional courses in other areas such as molecular biology, biotechnology, regulatory law
  • Join ABSA International (ABSA)
  • Participate fully in ABSA sponsored seminars
  • Join local affiliates for networking opportunities

New to the Biosafety Profession?

Recommended Courses for Entering Biosafety Professionals

The Member Resources Committee (MRC) has compiled this list of biosafety courses that will be beneficial to those biosafety professionals looking to expand their expertise.

  • Principles & Practices of Biosafety (in-person 40-hour course)
    https://absa.org/ppb/
    This course is designed for persons who are entering the profession and those with up to three years’ experience in biosafety. It is also suitable for persons who supervise biosafety professionals and for those who will benefit from additional knowledge of biosafety as a complement to their primary responsibilities. Presented twice a year. Designed for those with 0 to three years in the profession.

Preceding the Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference, ABSA offers a variety of preconference courses for all ranges of experience from beginner to advanced. Check out the latest offerings at https://absaconference.org/ (updated each June).

  • Basic Risk Assessment (in-person 8-hour course)
    This introductory course will provide an opportunity to incorporate the basic knowledge and skills necessary to perform risk assessments for working safely with pathogens (human and animal) and rDNA (genetically modified organisms or viral vectors). Presented annually as a preconference course in conjunction with the annual conference.

  • Basic Biosafety on Demand (Work at your own pace)
    https://absa.org/basic-biosafety-module/
    Basic Biosafety will provide basic direction to laboratorians on how to work more safely with biological hazards. This module will include available resources, additional training opportunities, and contacts relevant to the field of biosafety for those located in laboratories and facilities around the globe.
  • Basic Disinfection on Demand (Work at your own pace)
    https://absa.org/basic-disinfection/
    This course is designed for people entering the profession and those with up to three years of experience in biosafety or infection control. It is also suitable for people who will benefit from additional knowledge regarding the types of disinfectants/decontamination systems and how to choose appropriate products/methods for their workplace or who may need refresher training.
  • FREE | Introduction to Biosafety: Biosafety Curriculum for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
    https://absa.org/intro/
    This course is also appropriate for graduate, medical, nursing, public health, and medical technology students. The course is designed as a 12-week semester course, either 1 or 5 credits. The course content is designed to be flexible to allow instructors to select what is appropriate for their specific program needs and schedules.

https://absa.org/online-education/
The webinar offerings are continually updated and posted on the ABSA website. A sample of offerings include:

  • Fundamentals of Microbiology and Infectious Disease*
    This course is intended for those professionals that participate in protocol review, facilities planning, and any other risk assessment activities, but are unsure as to the actual nature of the disease risks of microbiological agents.
  • Concepts of Virology*
    This course will briefly review gene expression in eukaryotes and examine several concepts of virology. Characteristics of different viral families will be presented as well as general replication strategies employed by different viruses.
  • Molecular Biology 101*
    This course is intended for those professionals that participate in protocol review, facilities planning, and other risk assessment activities but lack a basic understanding of molecular biology and techniques.

*Many of ABSA International webinar recordings are available for purchase after the offering dates for a limited time. Please contact info@absa.org for more information.

ABSA Biosafety Calendar: https://absa.org/events/

ABSA Training Tools & Resources: https://absa.org/topic/ttr/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/labsafety/index.html
Listed below are a few courses offered through the CDC training web site:

  • Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet
  • Introduction to Laboratory Risk Management (LRM)
  • Fundamentals of Centrifuge Safety

Is There Credentialing for Biosafety Professionals?

Currently there are two types of credentialing for biosafety professionals:

Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP)

Certified Biological Safety Professionals (CBSP) pass a written exam and meet experience and educational criteria set by ABSA International.

Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP)

A Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) is an individual with a documented university education or specialized training in relevant biological safety disciplines and been found to be eligible for registration by the ABSA Credentialing Evaluation Board.

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