title: Framework for leadership and training of Biosafety Level 4 laboratory workers.
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.
authors.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
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Le Duc
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Marshall E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bloom
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Estep
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Feldmann
authors.forename: Joan B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Geisbert
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Geisbert
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hensley
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Holbrook
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Jahrling
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Ksiazek
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Korch
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Skvorak
authors.forename: Hana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weingartl
mesh_terms: 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