Framework for Leadership and Training of Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory Workers
Date
2011-12-29
Authors
Le Duc, James W.
Anderson, Kevin
Bloom, Marshall E.
Estep, James E.
Feldmann, Heinz
Geisbert, Joan B.
Geisbert, Thomas W.
Hensley, Lisa
Holbrook, Michael
Jahrling, Peter B.
Version
OA Version
Citation
Le Duc, James W., Kevin Anderson, Marshall E. Bloom, James E. Estep, Heinz Feldmann, Joan B. Geisbert, Thomas W. Geisbert, Lisa Hensley, Michael Holbrook, Peter B. Jahrling, Thomas G. Ksiazek, George Korch, Jean Patterson, John P. Skvorak, Hana Weingartl. "Framework for Leadership and Training of Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory Workers" Emerging Infectious Diseases 14(11): 1685-1688. (2008)
Abstract
One-sentence summary for table of contents: Training should include theoretical consideration of biocontainment principles, practical hands-on training, and mentored on-the-job experience. Construction of several new Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories and expansion of existing operations have created an increased international demand for well-trained staff and facility leaders. Directors of most North American BSL-4 laboratories met and agreed upon a framework for leadership and training of biocontainment research and operations staff. They agreed on essential preparation and training that includes theoretical consideration of biocontainment principles, practical hands-on training, and mentored on-the-job experiences relevant to positional responsibilities as essential preparation before a person's independent access to a BSL-4 facility. They also agreed that the BSL-4 laboratory director is the key person most responsible for ensuring that staff members are appropriately prepared for BSL-4 operations. Although standardized certification of training does not formally exist, the directors agreed that facility-specific, time-limited documentation to recognize specific skills and experiences of trained persons is needed.