Framework for leadership and training of Biosafety Level 4 laboratory workers.
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.
Le Duc
James W
JW
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
Anderson
Kevin
K
Bloom
Marshall E
ME
Estep
James E
JE
Feldmann
Heinz
H
Geisbert
Joan B
JB
Geisbert
Thomas W
TW
Hensley
Lisa
L
Holbrook
Michael
M
Jahrling
Peter B
PB
Ksiazek
Thomas G
TG
Korch
George
G
Patterson
Jean
J
Skvorak
John P
JP
Weingartl
Hana
H
D000818:Animals; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control; D002568:Certification / Q000592:standards; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D007857:Leadership; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce