As part of the efforts of WHO to support preparedness in countries, the WHO biorisk management team has held five advanced training courses in laboratory biorisk management and shipping of infectious substances from May through December 2012 in the WHO regional offices for Africa, Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
The advanced laboratory biorisk management course introduced the new concept of biorisk management, which combines risk assessment, risk mitigation, and performance systems. It targets professionals in laboratory biosafety, laboratory biosecurity training and education. The three days course provided participants with the opportunity to use a robust methodology to identify and control the biosafety and biosecurity risks of bioscience laboratories. It also provided the opportunity to practice using a systematic method of assessment.
The infectious substances shipping training is a two days face-to-face course to train and certify shippers of infectious substances against applicable international transport regulations. The course includes different modules that cover an introduction to transport of infectious substances, shipping terms, categorization, packaging, marking and labeling, documentation and refrigeration. Participants were assessed for acquisition of knowledge through a post test and a practicum. Since 2008, about 450 persons have been trained from all WHO Regions. The course is recognized by the Air Transport Authority, International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association.
Related links
Infectious substances shipping training: A course for shippers
Related documents
A guide for shippers of infectious substances, 2013
