Advanced subject-specific training Introduction to legal requirements regarding work with non-indigenous organisms in contained systems – Course for Biosafety Officers (BSO)
Curriculum Biosafety - An initiative of the FOEN, the FOPH, the SUVA and the SECB
The demands on the BSO are high: they are the contact person for all questions of biosafety internally vis-à-vis colleagues and the management and externally vis-à-vis the authorities. BSOs ideally have a higher professional education, if possible with a university degree, comprehensive laboratory experience and knowledge of all biosafety issues. They have negotiating skills and assertiveness.
Humans use organisms for a wide variety of purposes. Certain organisms can pose a threat to humans, animals and the environment. Therefore, genetically modified or pathogenic organisms and certain invasive alien species may only be used without authorisation in confined systems such as laboratories or greenhouses. Do you handle alien organisms subject to compulsory containment in a laboratory, greenhouse, animal unit or other contained facility? Then you will have to determine whether your activity requires notification or authorisation.
Details
Biosafety has the purpose of protecting humans and the environment through the handling of genetically modified, pathogenic or alien organisms.
Since 1999, the Containment Ordinance and the Ordinance on the Protection of Workers against Risks from Microorganisms have regulated the handling of organisms, in particular genetically modified and pathogenic organisms. These ordinances require, among other things, that a person responsible for biological safety be designated for such activities, the so-called Biosafety Officer (BSO).
Course language
- English
Ziele
Participants will be provided with details on legal requirements for work with non-indigenous organisms in research including quarantine pests, small invertebrates and invasive plants. How to perform a biological risk assessment and assign organisms to groups depending on their hazards and research activities to classes according to their risk will be explained using practical examples. This information will then be used to address the need for ECOGEN notification of the activities and risk management. Safety levels will be explained in theory to provide the basis for the practical implementation of safety measures in laboratories, green houses and animal facilities, thereby also pointing to the interface between contained use and deliberate release.
Zielpublikum
- Future or active Biosafety Officers (BSO)
Programm
- Background of regulation
- Distinction between contained use and deliberate release
- Classification system - changes in classification based on risk assessment
- Guidance documents and their applicability
- User responsibilities
Activities involving alien organisms subject to compulsory containment (animals and plants)
- Risk assessment
- Most important species and their risks
- Grouping and classification of activities based
- Safety measures in different work contexts
- Difficulties that may arise when evaluating applications
- Role, qualifications and tasks of biosafety and/or biosecurity officers
Kosten & Bedingungen
Number of participants
- Course is limited to 25 participants.
Price
- CHF 550
- The price includes course documentation and refreshments during breaks.
- Networking and exchange of experiences during breaks and lunch are important for the learning process, therefore they are organized by sanu and are part of the course.
Certificate
- At the end of the course you will receive a certificate of participation.
Registration deadline
- 3 weeks prior to the course
- Due to the limited number of participants, registrations will be considered in the order in which they are received.
- At the latest two weeks before the course starts, you will receive a confirmation, further information about the course and the invoice.
Cancellation
- According to our general terms and conditions.