Training & supervision

When is training required?

Training will be required for all persons:

on recruitment
when a significant change to work, equipment, work activity or responsibilities takes place, especially where increased risks may be involved
for refresher training (where appropriate) to maintain standards

Role of Supervisor / Group Leader

The project supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all their workers receive adequate training. In addition, the supervisor must monitor the work to ensure that working practices are being adhered to. The level of training provided should be appropriate to the level of risk and complexity of the work being undertaken to ensure competence of workers.

Basic local training requirements for all workers

Basic local training requirements for workers must include information on:

the nature of the hazards being used
the risks (to human health and the environment) likely to be encountered in their work
preventive and protective measures used to control risks
the requirements of the local rules / local code of practice, including the safe working practices and procedures to be followed e.g. disinfection, waste disposal, transport, storage and emergency spillage
safe use of equipment such as the microbial safety cabinet
procedure for reporting accidents

All persons should also receive appropriate supervision as provided by, or organised by, the project supervisor. This should be related to the level of work to ensure that standards are maintained. Once satisfied with the competence of the worker, the supervisor can allow them to continue without constant supervision.

Training provided to non-laboratory staff

It should also be noted that training should not be limited to those working at the bench. Other staff such as cleaners, porters, maintenance staff, external contractors must also receive appropriate information, instruction and training about the hazards that they may encounter when working in the laboratory. They should also be appropriately supervised while carrying out their work.

Local containment level 3 training requirements

Training requirements at containment level 3 are more detailed and formal. In addition to those requirements outlined above for all workers, key competencies for those working at CL3 include:

full understanding of emergency procedures e.g. emergency room or cabinet fumigation
full training where applicable on fumigation procedures

Written records of training are an essential requirement for all individuals working at Containment Level 3. These should include details of what training has been provided and signed off by both the trainer and trainee.

Formal training courses

Biological (including GM) safety awareness training for workers

All individuals working with hazardous biological agents (including GMOs) are expected to complete the 'Biological Safety Awareness Training' (recorded session available on the VLE, or classroom based session). The main aims of this course is to provide a basic grounding on biological safety issues, to explain the purpose of the regulations and typical containment measures required to protect human health and the environment
Further information and details of registration

Genetic modification safety awareness for GM supervisors

All supervisors of GM activities are expected to attend this formal training session which aims to explain key regulatory requirements of risk assessment, containment and notification of activities to the Health & Safety Executive.
Further information and details of registration

Training records

It is always good practice to keep records of training for all those working with biological agents. These should include details of what training has been provided and signed off by both the trainer and trainee. At containment level 3 written records of training are an essential requirement.