Getting the Best Out of your Containment Devices, lab equipment & Cleanrooms
Committing your staff to continued professional development though training and practice is the only way to ensure that you get the most out of your staff and laboratory equipment – especially containment devices like microbiological safety cabinets and laminar flow hoods.
Most larger laboratory based organisations have developed their own user and engineers training programs but professional courses run by external organisations can compliment the expertise that resides in-house.
On this page we will list any recommended courses that we become aware of in addition to the workshop packages that we have developed that we would be pleased to offer in your facility or as a web-based learning package. If you would like to suggest new content or course please let us know.
Finally, we have listed links to any on-line course that we are aware of that may be of use to containment device users and maintenance staff.
Workshop Packages from e-bbex and its Associates
(available as webinars or delivered in-house)
- WP1 - Principles of Containment Devices – including Biological Safety Cabinets, laminar flow hoods, isolators etc. Their principles of operation, international standards and how to select the right device.
- WP2 - Biological Safety Cabinet User Training – Getting the best out of your BSC. – Introduction to the basic principles of a BSC and best practice for users to protect you, your samples and your environment.
- WP3 - Biological Safety Cabinet day-to-day maintenance for Biomed Engineer/Technicians – Getting the best out of your equipment. – Introduction to the basic principles of a BSC, understanding the implications of the device’s location and best planned maintenance practice.
- WP4 - Laminar Flow Hood User Training – Getting the best out of your LFH. – Introduction to the basic principles of the LFH and best practice for users to ensure your samples or products meet the required level of cleanliness.
- WP5 - Laminar Flow Hood day-to-day maintenance for Biomed Engineer/Technicians – Getting the best out of your equipment. – Introduction to the basic principles of the LFH, understanding the implications of the device’s location and best planned maintenance practice.
- WP6 - Principles of Cleanrooms – including both positive and negative pressure cleanrooms. Their principles of operation, international standards and how to select the right design.
- WP7 - Cleanroom User Training – Getting the best out of your Cleanroom. – Introduction to the basic principles of a cleanrooms and best practice for users to protect you, your samples and products and your environment.
- WP8 - Developing Cleanroom SOP’s – the importance of SOPs to cleanroom operators, gowning protocols, cleaning protocols, operators’ protocols, their development and implementation.
- WP9 - Maintenance of your Cleanrooms – covering commissioning and start-up, planned maintenance, cleaning, testing and certification, materials and equipment, monitoring and reporting.
If you would like to talk about any of the course above or training in general please contact us. We would be more than pleased to develop a workshop and training plan to suit your specific needs. Contact e-bbex here.
External Courses
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
THE CDC in the USA host a range of very useful on-line course on their website. Here are a selection of ones that might be of use to you.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course - Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet.
This basic-level eLearning course provides information on the safe use of Class II biological safety cabinets.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course - Fundamentals of Chemical Fume Hood Safety.
This basic-level eLearning course provides an essential understanding of the major components of a chemical fume hood and proper practices for its safe and effective operation.
https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/fundamentals-chemical-fume-hood-safety.html
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course - Fundamentals of Centrifuge Safety
Learn the major parts of a centrifuge, types of centrifuges, potential hazards, how to work safely with a centrifuge, and what to do if there is an emergency.
https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/fundamentals-centrifuge-safety.html
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course - Core Microbiology Skills
Learn several core microbiological skills that are used in public health, clinical, and research laboratories.
https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/core-microbiology-skills.html
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course - Basic Microbiology eLearning Curriculum
Learn basic microbiology laboratory skills and procedures necessary to identify microorganisms from clinical specimens. Courses include: Basic Microscopy, Basic Culture Media, Biochemicals and Gram Positive Organism ID, Biochemicals and Gram Negative Organism ID, Routine Microscopy Procedures, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Methods (AST).
https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/basic-microbiology/index.html
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course - Good Laboratory Practice Recommendations for Biochemical Genetic Testing: Preanalytic Phase
This online training will provide an overview of the quality practices in the preanalytic phase of biochemical genetic testing, specifically quality assurance for test requisitions, specimen collection and submission; communications between the laboratory, clinicians and other stakeholders; and preanalytic quality assessment.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course - Good Laboratory Practices for Molecular Genetics Testing.
Learn to develop procedures and processes for a molecular genetic test which are consistent with regulatory requirements and good laboratory practices. At the conclusion of this eLearning, you will be able to:
- Describe the application of the CLIA requirements to molecular genetic testing
- Select quality assurance measures for molecular genetic testing that are consistent with good laboratory practices
- Develop procedures and processes for a molecular genetic test that are consistent with regulatory requirements and good laboratory practices
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on-line course – Bio Threat (BT) Rule Out or Refer: Virtual Knowledge Exercise
Participate in a series of three virtual case studies using ASM’s sentinel laboratory protocols in a safe environment to detect potential bio-threat agents.
https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/bt-rule-out-refer.html
Public Health England
Public Health England offer a range of interesting courses including:
Public Health England - Hitchhikers Guide to Microbiology – a journey through the fascinating world of microbes and introduce you to types, diversity and key factors for their control. No previous microbiology experience is needed. Individuals attending the course will acquire knowledge of all aspect of basic microbiology, understanding the theory behind the practicalities and will have essential text for future reference.
https://www.phe-protectionservices.org.uk/cms/article.php?article=1656&course=69&details=true
Tips, Guides and Manuals
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition - the cornerstone of biosafety practice and policy.
Including:
- Occupational medicine and immunization
- Decontamination and sterilization
- Laboratory biosecurity and risk assessment
- Biosafety level 3 (Ag) laboratories
- Agent summary statements for some agricultural pathogens
- Biological toxins
https://www.cdc.gov/labs/pdf/CDC-BiosafetyMicrobiologicalBiomedicalLaboratories-2009-P.PDF
LAB Manager - A useful discussion of the things to consider when selecting a Biological/Microbiological Safety Cabinet
American Laboratories – Considerations for Selecting or Replacing Your Biological Safety Cabinet https://www.americanlaboratory.com/Lab-Tips/152240-LabTips-Considerations-for-Selecting-or-Replacing-Your-Biological-Safety-Cabinet/
Labroots - Future-Proof Biosafety Cabinets: A Guide To Selecting The Right BSC
https://www.labroots.com/webinar/future-proof-biosafety-cabinets-guide-selecting-bsc