Biological Safety Training
Some training programs are available online for your convenience. If you or persons in your lab would prefer the in-person training (instead of online training), please contact the Biosafety Office to schedule a training class. Also, if you have any questions about any of the training classes/online modules, please contact the Biosafety Office.
One of the responsibilities of the Principle Investigators (PI) is to keep the training records of the lab, and ensure that all lab personnel have the proper training.
Need annual REFRESHER TRAINING? Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on refresher training.
Training Requirements
The Biological Safety Training Matrix outlines what duties (related to research labs only) trigger a training requirement, what training options are available, and the required frequency of training.
Biological Safety Training Matrix -- PDF
After reviewing the Matrix, check with the Principle Investigator of the project to determine ALL the training needed. Next, click on the appropriate links located at the bottom of the page. There will be instructions along with training materials located on these pages.
Online Training Instructions
Some online training will require a quiz. The links below will give you the review material and instructions on how to access Blackboard to take the quiz. You must pass this quiz (80% or higher). If you do not pass, you must contact Sarah DiFurio at sbottoml@utk.edu or 974-9836 to reset the quiz.
Once you have completed the quiz, print the page indicating that you have passed and give one copy to your supervisor, and keep one copy for your records.
Training Classes and Modules
If you have questions about any of the training classes or online modules listed below, please contact the Biosafety Office.
Standard Microbiological Practices -- Online training module for researchers working with non-infectious microorganisms, diagnostic/environmental samples and contaminated wastes.
Biosafety Principles Training (for first time users) -- Contact the Biosafety Office to schedule a training session. You must register for this class.
Biosafety Principles Refresher Online Training -- An annual online training requirement for those who have already taken and passed the Biosafety Principles Training.
Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Human Cell Users (for first time users) -- Contact the Biosafety Office to schedule a training session. You must register for this class.
Bloodborne Pathogens Refresher Online Training for Human Cell Users -- An annual online training requirement for those who have already taken and passed the Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Information -- In order to complete the Bloodborne Pathogen Training module, information about the Hepatitis B Vaccine must be reviewed.
Biological Shipping Training -- Any person shipping infectious substances, diagnostic specimens, or dry ice is required to receive Department of Transportation (DOT) / International Air Transport Association (IATA) training. IATA mandates that training must be renewed every TWO years to ensure that knowledge of shipping regulations is current (IATA DGR 1.5.0.3). Contact the Biosafety Office to schedule a training session. You must register for this class.
Small Quantity Hazardous Materials Preservatives Shipping -- Contact the Biosafety Office to schedule a training session. You must register for this class.
Regulated Medical Waste Shipping -- Contact the Biosafety Office to schedule a training session. You must register for this class.
Training Video for Facility Services and Custodial Staff
The Biosafety Office has produced a training video to educate members of Facility Services and the Custodial staff on the proper safety procedures when working in areas containing biohazardous materials.
Contact Information
Biological Safety Officer
Brian Ranger
336 Ellington Plant Sciences
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-1938
Email: branger@utk.edu
Biological Safety Specialist
Sarah DiFurio
336 Ellington Plant Sciences
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-9836
Email: sbottoml@utk.edu