Citation

Le Duc JW, Anderson K, Bloom ME, Estep JE, Feldmann H, Geisbert JB, Geisbert TW, Hensley L, Holbrook M, Jahrling PB, Ksiazek TG, Korch G, Patterson J, Skvorak JP, Weingartl H. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 2008; 14(11): 1685-1688.

Affiliation

Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0610, USA. jwleduc@utmb.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18976549

PMCID

PMC2630756

Abstract

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.

Language: en