Chalk to computer routes to competence

1
Chalk to computer routes to competence Part 1
Biological Safety Officer training course Dr
Paul Jackett Medical Research Council (UK)
2

• About the MRC
• UK Government funded approx 500m annual budget
  (720m euro)
• 40 Research Units (2 in Africa)
• 3000 employees
• 3000 University staff supported through grants
• Approx 25 Units work with Biological Agents

3

• BSO training course
• Where have we come from?
• MRC wished to train BSOs to arequired level of
  competence
• Partnership with UK University (Sussex)
• Search for appropriate available course
• None found (cf RPS)
• No set criteria
• Decided to develop our own

4
Working definition of a Biological Safety
Officer A person appointed by the employer to
provide competent advice on matters relating to
working with biological agents and materials that
may contain those agents

• Likely to be
• Employed at Unit/Department level
• Part time
• Experienced in science but not safety

5

• Aims (1)
• To provide up to date guidance and an awareness
  of current good practice on matters relating to
  bio-safety.
• To define bio-safety and the role of the
  bio-safety specialist.
• To assist working towards providing the highest
  standards in the work and consequently prevent
• Injury to or infection of staff and visitors
• Damage to building and equipment
• Any uncontrolled release of biological agents.

6

• Aims (2)
• To facilitate competence through -
• Providing appropriate background information
• Bringing delegates up to date on current issues
• Increasing awareness of regulations, codes of
  practice, guidance and standards.

7

• History
• One-day pilot course in Dundee

25 courses 2005 4 x 2-day courses (3 on
commission)
8
What makes us competent to run the course?

• Trainer profile (collective)
• Scientific research background
• Qualified safety professionals
• Expertise in handling biological agents
• Expertise in working with GMOs
• Experience in training
• Experience in input to laboratory design

9

• Where are we now?
• Delegate profile
• MRC Units
• University departments
• Biotechnology companies
• Other public bodies/charities
• UK Police
• Overseas delegates (Hong Kong, Portugal, Malta,
  Ireland)

10

• Content day 1
• Relevant legislation (incl. case studies)
• Function and role of the biological safety
  officer
• Risk assessment
• Laboratory management, audits and inspections
• Biological agents/pathogens (incl. exercise)
• Genetically Modified Organisms (incl.
  exercises)
• Management exercise case study (role play)

11

• Content day 2
• Microbiological safety cabinets safe working
  practices (HSE video)
• Biological agents in the laboratory practical
  issues
• Animals (incl. allergens)
• Cell Culture (incl. exercise)
• Waste management
• Transport
• Training, competence and record keeping
• Containment laboratory design CL3
• Course assessment

12

• Course a success
• It remains the only course of its kind in the UK
  (possibly Europe)
• It has gained credibility in UK biosafety
• Regarded by many as a benchmark
• Course now held in Dublin(included Government GM
  inspectors)
• Principles applicable across Europe

13

• But we recognise -
• Content based on our own views oncompetence
  requirements(Valid for us, but how do we
  benchmark?)
• A need for more specialised and detailed modules
  to complement the course
• We have identified and filled a gap

14

• Where do we go from here?
• Option 1
• Could continue as we are (market forces)
• Option 2
• Progress toward agreed syllabus(es)
• Requires broader input at National level (HSE,
  Pharmas, Universities, Professional bodies)

15

• Proposals (all mutually inclusive)
• Reinforce employers responsibility to ensure
  competence and select best means to achieve this
• Establish Levels of competence for BSOs
• Identify a central accredited body at National or
  European level to establish training criteria and
  professional standards for competence
• Accredit training providers/courses
• Could there be a role for EBSA?

16
BSO course team Clive Parkinson University of
Sussex Dr Arthur Mitchell MRC Dr Paul
Jackett MRC Support from Mike Stephens Head of
Health, Safety and Security Management, MRC