Mandatory Safety Training
Several trainings are required for access to the various buildings and laboratory spaces here at the George Washington University (GW). Information on these trainings for students, staff and faculty can be found below.
Biosafety & Blood Borne Pathogens Training
This training provides an introduction to biological safety issues including definitions, risk assessment, principles, safe laboratory practices and disinfection methods and it’s intended for all individuals assigned to projects involving the use of human-derived materials (e.g. established and primary cells, blood, plasma, serum, tissues. OSHA requires that all individuals who anticipate coming in contact with materials that could potentially be contaminated with bloodborne pathogens to be trained accordingly. This training should only be completed between 9 am-5 pm Monday through Friday, to ensure that we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the training. It is required both at the time of initial work assignment and at least every 12 months thereafter.
To complete the training: Contact the Office of Research Safety at [email protected] to receive the training links. Upon successful completion of the training a certificate will be generated. Please keep a copy for your records.
General Laboratory Safety Training (provided by EHS)
This in-person training discusses the different type of hazards (e.g. biological, chemical, radiological) and indicates where to get more information and educational materials. It is required both at the time of initial work assignment and at least every 12 months thereafter. This training is available through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
To complete the training: Contact EHS at [email protected] or 4-4347 to register for the training.
IBC/NIH Guidelines Training
This training provides information on the NIH Guidelines including the definition of Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Research, what is an IBC and its function and how to submit a research proposal to the IBC. This training is required for all personnel listed on an IBC protocol and is required every 5 years, pending any significant changes to the biological safety program or institutional policies.
To complete the training: Contact the Office of Research Safety at [email protected] to receive the training link. Upon successful completion of the training a certificate will be generated. Please keep a copy for your records.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training
This training provides information for research staff on applying risk management strategies to identify hazards, assess risks, and select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) options.
To complete the training: Visit the Fundamentals of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Clinical Laboratories on the CDC website and register for the training. Upon successful completion of the training a certificate will be generated. Keep a copy for your records and send us a copy as well.
Biological Safety Cabinet Training
This training is required if you are using a Biosafey Cabinet (BSC), or if you are a principal investigator (PI)/instructor on a protocol involving the use of a BSC, to learn about the proper use and maintenance of biological safety cabinets. It is required only once.
To complete the training: Visit the Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet on the CDC website and register for the training. Upon successful completion of the training a certificate will be generated. Keep a copy for your records and send us a copy as well.
Fume Hood Safety Training
This training is required if you are using a fume hood, or if you are a PI/Instructor on a protocol involving the use of a fume hood, to learn about the proper use and maintenance of fume hoods. It is required only once.
To complete the training: Visit Fundamentals of Chemical Fume Hood Safety on the CDC website and register for the training. Upon successful completion of the training a certificate will be generated. Keep a copy for your records and send us a copy as well.
Centrifuge Safety Training
This training is required if you are using a centrifuge, or if you are a PI/Instructor on a protocol involving the use of a centrifuge, and to learn about the proper use and maintenance of a centrifuge. It is required only once.
To complete the training: Visit Fundamentals of Centrifuge Safety on the CDC website and register for the training. Upon successful completion of the training a certificate will be generated. Keep a copy for your records and send us a copy as well.