The Frontline Foundation course catalog includes core and elective courses for laboratorians and biosafety professionals as well as core and elective courses for operations and maintenance facility personnel.
All courses are designed to meet the CDC Core Competencies in biosafety for BSL-3 and BSL-4 workers required by the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA, 2006), the Blue Ribbon Panel for Issues of Clinical Laboratory Safety, and the Trans-Federal Task Force on Optimizing Biosafety and Biocontainment Oversight.
Biosafety Professionals
Core Courses
Laboratory Sterilization and Disinfection for Biocontainment ProfessionalsTitle: Laboratory Sterilization and Disinfection for Biocontainment Professionals
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: Review of decontamination and sterilization requirements and practices in the biocontainment
laboratory environment. In depth discussion of various disinfection systems, chemicals utilized in the disinfection
process, chemical handling and storage requirements, and waste processing systems.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Identify the differences between decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization
• Describe common laboratory disinfectants and their uses
• Identify methods of sterilization
• Identify common methods of in-house medical waste treatment and the elements of a medical waste management plan
Title: Principles of Biosafety and Biocontainment for Biocontainment Professionals
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: Introduction to biocontainment laboratory philosophy and design intent for biocontainment professionals. Discussion of the distinguishing characteristics between BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3 (high containment) and BSL-4 (maximum containment) laboratories.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Discuss the historical perspective on biocontainment laboratories
• Identify the differences between BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories
• Become familiar with risk reduction techniques, including standard lab practices and personal protective equipment
• Identify the differences between Class I, Class II, and Class III biosafety cabinets
• Describe how to deal with biological wastes
• Discuss the procedures to properly react to biological emergencies
• Explain chemical safety and procedures to react properly to chemical emergencies
Title: Introduction to Microbiology Essentials
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: This course reviews the basic concepts microbiology and relates these concepts to risk assessment for biological safety.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Define pathogenesis
• Discuss the various mechanisms by which microorganisms cause disease
• Discuss disease transmission
• Relate this information to biosafety issues
Course Title: Introduction to Microbiology Essentials – Lab
Summary: This course provides a hands-on experience in the microbiology laboratory covering microbiology basics of culture and identification, emergency response, and the use of containment equipment.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Discuss and demonstrate bacterial culture, gram stain, and microscopy
• Discuss and demonstrate biological and chemical spill response
• Discuss emergency medical and fire response
• Discuss how to properly work in a biological safety cabinet and chemical fume hood
Title: The Biological Risk Assessment Process
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: An overview of risk assessment in the biomedical laboratory including a discussion of risk groups and biosafety levels, and considerations when performing laboratory risk assessments.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Identify the differences between the four levels of risk groups
• Identify the characteristics of microorganisms that determine “risk” to the laboratorian
• Distinguish between risk group and biosafety level
• Identify biosafety issues to consider when conducting a risk assessment of organisms containing
recombinant DNA
Title: Emergency Planning and Response
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: In–depth discussion of emergency response for medical, biological, and chemical emergencies and the process of developing an emergency plan.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Identify the components of an emergency response plan
• Describe the steps in responding to emergencies
• Identify basic emergency response procedures for personal contamination, environmental exposure, and medical emergencies
• List the steps in spill response for biological and chemical emergencies
• Identify the steps in bioterrorism event response
Title: Laboratory Safety Regulations, Standards and Guidelines
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: An overview of regulations and guidelines which apply to persons working in biomedical laboratories
including OSHA hazard communication and blooodborne pathogens standards, CDC select agent rule and BMBL,
and NIH recombinant DNA guidelines.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Identify the regulators
• Describe which agencies administer specific regulations
• Identify the components of regulatory compliance
• Become familiar with regulations for various US government standards, including hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, Select Agent rule, packaging and shipping, and others
Elective Courses
Biocontainment Laboratory DesignTitle: Biocontainment Laboratory Design
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: In-depth investigation into the elements that culminate in the successful design of a biosafety laboratory. Topics include space planning, programming, functional design relationships, design constraints, and adherence to BMBL guidelines.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Describe resources for biocontainment laboratory design
• Identify the design requirements for a biocontainment laboratory
• Identify design criteria differences between BSL-3 and BSL-4
• Describe design considerations by zone
• Identify design and construction issues
Title: Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: Being able to communicate effectively during an emergency is a core competency that requires planning, training, and evaluation. This course offers an introduction to developing a crisis and emergency risk communication plan, developing a crisis message, using case studies and hands-on exercises.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Identify reasons for having a crisis and emergency risk communication plan
• Identify events that are likely to cause outrage
• Identify the five phases of a crisis communication life cycle and what needs to be done in each phase
• Identify pitfalls in crisis communications
• Define the 4-step message model
• Develop a crisis message
Title: Biocontainment Laboratory Security
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: Discussion of key principles for securing biological agents, and developing a biosecurity tailored to a
specific facility.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Define and compare biological safety and biological security
• Describe the relationship between biological safety and biological security
• Provide the roof, four pillars, and foundation necessary for an effective biosecurity program
• Participate in the processes of Threat/Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Analysis
• Recognize biosecurity vulnerabilities
• Become familiar with agency specific requirements (DHHS, USDA, DOD, etc.)
Title: Aerobiology I
Summary: Review of the discipline of aerobiology, with discussion of relationship between laboratory practices and
laboratory diseases that can be caused by microbial aerosols.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Discuss the factors that influence airborne infection
• Define the terms bioaerosol, droplet nuclei, Brownian motion, and inertial impaction
• Describe the principal mechanisms of respiratory deposition of microbial particles
• Discuss how procedures in the laboratory can generate microbial aerosols
• Identify the various types of aerosol samplers and describe how they capture aerosol particles
Title: Introduction to Animal Biocontainment
Prerequisite(s): NBB-160
Summary: Overview of biocontainment considerations and comparisons for various animal species with focus on
large animal species or unconventional animal species including livestock and wildlife. Aspects of physical
containment and biosafety principals are included.
Learning Outcomes. On successful completion, the participant will be able to:
• Apply biosafety and biocontainment paradigms to unique hazards and hazard mitigation
• Distinguish fundamental differences between laboratory biosafety and animal biosafety
• Apply additional risk assessment needs of animal biocontainment
• Describe animal welfare and animal use requirements
Title: Agents of Bioterrorism
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: This course provides an overview of bioterrorism and the agents of bioterrorism -their characteristics,
diagnosis, and treatment. Descriptions of the Category A, B, and C agents are provided, including laboratory
identification methods, symptoms, health effects, and treatments for diseases resulting from exposure to these
agents.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Describe what is meant by bioterrorism
• List commonly used agents of bioterrorism
• Discuss various laboratory methods used to identify agents of bioterrorism
Title: Packaging and Shipping Division 6.2 Hazardous Materials
Prerequisite(s): None
Title: Summary: This course discusses the regulatory aspects of shipping biohazardous materials as well as the
procedures for proper packaging.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Explain the regulatory agencies and requirements for packaging and shipping biological agents
• Discuss the responsibilities of the shipper
• Define, identify, and classify Dangerous Goods
• Explain the Identification and Shippers Declaration
• Identify types of packaging
• Identify and discuss training requirements and documentation
Operations and Maintenance
Operations and maintenance courses are designed for maintenance staff supporting the activities of BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories and who have responsibilities for the operational systems of these laboratories.
Core Courses
Introduction to Biosafety and Biocontainment for Operations and Maintenance ProfessionalsTitle: Introduction to Biosafety and Biocontainment for Operations and Maintenance Professionals
Prerequisite(s):
Summary: Introduction to biocontainment laboratory philosophy and design intent. Explanation of the
distinguishing characteristics between BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3 (high containment) and BSL-4 (maximum containment)
laboratories.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Develop working knowledge of contents of the BMBL 5th Edition
• Describe what is meant by biocontainment philosophy and design intent
• Discuss the characteristics of BSL-1, BS-2, BSL-3 & BSL-4 laboratories
• Explain the laboratory design process
Title: Fundamentals of Laboratory Mechanics
Prerequisite(s): NBB-100
Summary: Overview of basic requirements for biosafety laboratories including architectural and mechanical components, operational characteristics, and routine maintenance issues. Includes basic design parameters outlined in 5th edition of the BMBL.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Define basic containment laboratory ventilation terms and ventilation equations
• Explain thermodynamic elements in a biocontainment laboratory
• Explain the psychrometric properties of air
• Explain the principles of ventilation control and airflow
• Discuss lab pressure relationship requirements
Title: Laboratory Systems, Utilities and Maintenance I
Prerequisite(s): NBB-110
Summary: Review of BMBL guidelines for design and operation of biosafety laboratories. In-depth discussion of
laboratory utility systems and system requirements including: electrical, vacuum, CO2, nitrogen, compressed air,
plumbing and waste processing, disinfection, and decontamination. Also covered are topics concerning back-up
and redundant system requirements, chemical handling and storage, laboratory security procedures, and routine,
planned and preventive maintenance issues.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Explain how HEPA filters work
• Discuss biocontainment requirements for electrical, plumbing, security, and waste systems
• Describe lightning protection and emergency power systems
• Analyze laboratory layouts for personnel and product flow as well as airflow and pressure relationships
Title: Overview of Microbiology and Biosafety for Operations and Maintenance Professionals
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: Introduction to basic principles of microbiology and biosafety.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Describe the chain of infection
• Discuss what is meant if someone says a ‘bug’ is pathogenic or non-pathogenic; virulent or non-virulent
• Describe the basic differences between bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and prions
• Define “Biosafety Level”
Title: Laboratory Sterilization and Disinfection for Operations and Maintenance Professionals
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: Decontamination and sterilization requirements and practices in the biocontainment laboratory
environment. Includes discussions of various disinfection systems, chemicals utilized in the disinfection process,
chemical handling and storage requirements, and an overview of waste processing systems.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Define disinfection and sterilization
• Identify two disinfectants that are likely to be used in your workplace
• Identify two methods of sterilization that may be encountered in your workplace
• Describe the chain of infection
• Identify the basic differences among bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and prions
• Identify the differences between pathogenic and non-pathogenic and virulent and non-virulent organisms
Title: Laboratory Systems, Utilities and Maintenance II
Prerequisite(s): NBB-120
Summary: In-depth discussion of architectural components of laboratory design and construction including material
requirements and architectural fit and finish details; reading and understanding architectural and mechanical
drawings; issues and concerns related to new construction versus renovated spaces; security and safety topics
including fire protection and emergency response and preparedness; and maintenance record keeping
requirements. Review of BMBL guidelines for design and operation of biosafety laboratories.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Read and interpret architectural drawings
• Explain maintenance record keeping requirements
Title: Troubleshooting Laboratory HVAC, Filtration, and Utility Systems
Prerequisite(s): NBB-200
Summary: Troubleshooting laboratory system components and operation including architectural (seals, bioseals,
finishes, doors, locking mechanisms), mechanical (air handling units, refrigeration systems, fans, filters, controls,
BAS systems), electrical (power, lighting, low voltage control systems), and plumbing and waste systems (drains,
small pipe utilities, waste processing systems).
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Troubleshoot architectural and engineering components of biocontainment labs to ensure continuous
system performance
• Develop preventive maintenance programs for biocontainment laboratories
Title: Biocontainment Laboratory Architecture & Design
Prerequisite(s): None
Summary: In-depth investigation into the elements that culminate in the successful design of a biosafety
laboratory. Topics include space planning, programming, functional design relationships, design constraints, and
adherence to BMBL guidelines.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Become familiar with resources for biocontainment laboratory design
• Identify the design requirements for a biocontainment laboratory
• Identify design criteria differences between BSL-3 and BSL-4
• Describe design considerations by zone
• Identify design and construction issues
Title: Emerging Issues in Biosafety and Biocontainment for O&M Professionals
Prerequisite(s): NBB-200
Summary: Panel discussion of the emerging issues in biosafety and biocontainment .
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Analyze emerging issues in biosafety and biocontainment
• Describe how these issues will affect operations and maintenance
• Explain how the OM staff person’s role may be changed or affected
Title: Laboratory Commissioning and Certification
Prerequisite(s): NBB-110
Summary: Detailed study of the process of commissioning and certifying a biosafety laboratory.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Explain the elements of commissioning and NIH certification
• Describe the roles and goals of commissioning
• Describe roles and goals of certification
• Describe how to perform FPT – Functional Performance Testing
• Discuss NIH Certification Acceptance Criteria
Title: Laboratory Systems: Continuity of Operations Planning
Prerequisite(s): NBB-110
Summary: Introduction to business continuance planning for biosafety laboratories. Discussion will include the
benefits of developing a continuance of operations plan (COOP) and the structural elements that comprise such a
plan. COOP scenarios will include environmental disasters, organized and/or deliberate disruption, loss of utilities
and services, equipment and/or system failures, serious information security incidents, and other emergency
situations.
Learning Outcomes. The participant will be able to:
• Describe several risk reduction techniques
• Describe how to perform risk assessment
• Explain how to develop failure scenarios
• Explain requirements of COOP
• Describe the benefits of developing a COOP
• Demonstrate understanding of structural elements of COOP
• Analyze various COOP scenarios
Frontline Courses for the Clinical Laboratory Community, First Responders and Others
Title: Building and Maintaining a Biosafety Culture (1½ hr presentation)importance of investigating the milieu in which biosafety incidents occur. The course offers a fresh perspective on
how to improve the biosafety and biosecurity within facilities.
At the completion of the course, participants will be able to:
• Describe key features of culture change
• Distinguish between human error and system error
• Describe how to develop system solutions
characteristics of high performance teams and the symptoms of dysfunction.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Identify common team problems.
• Develop strategies for overcoming team dysfunctions.
• Describe the role of the leader
characteristics of high performance teams and the symptoms of dysfunction.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Identify common team problems.
• Develop strategies for overcoming team dysfunctions.
• Describe the role of the leader
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Discuss the STARCC principle
• Describe how messages are judged
• Analyze problems involved in working with the media
provided is designed for all healthcare professionals, civic leaders, and the general public.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Describe the national strategy for containing a pandemic influenza
• Explain the Pandemic Severity Index
• Analyze biological, psychological, sociological reactions to a pandemic
• Discuss concept of community hardiness
• Identify issues of stigmatization
provides a practical overview of how to design and deliver effective adult education and training.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Describe systems of instructional design
• Discuss principles of adult learning
• Describe different learning styles
• Explain barriers to training and strategies to overcome those barriers
• Develop ability to prepare, practice, and present
protective equipment, and the basic operation and use of the biological safety cabinet.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Describe the 4 Biosafety Levels.
• Describe how to conduct a biosafety risk assessment
• Be able to don and doff personal protective equipment
• Develop a checklist for using BSCs
• Discuss the responsibilities of clinical laboratories in outbreaks and acts of bioterrorism
guidance for developing a biosecurity plan.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• List the elements of a biosecurity plan
• Describe 5 steps of biosecurity risk assessment
• Describe the impact of the Select Agent Rule on clinical laboratories
• Discuss why “Loose Lips don’t just sink ships”
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Describe the 4 biosafety levels and what is meant by enhanced levels
• Describe how to conduct a biosafety or biosecurity risk assessment
• Identify threats to biosecurity
• Describe the elements of a biosecurity plan
Course describes the principles involved in speaking with the community and activists about laboratory facilities,
safety issues and other concerns. Through examples and case studies, the participants are provided with the
opportunity to discuss and analyze approaches that meet the needs of the their laboratory and the community.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Describe why risk comparison are not usually effective in communicating risk
• List common questions that the media and public want to know
• Discuss strategies for dealing with angry people
• List the elements that promote effective communication
• Describe spokesperson characteristics
• List common spokesperson pitfalls
Course discusses principles of table top exercises—who, when, what, where, how, why.
During the workshop participants will participate in a model emergency preparedness and response table top, using
a facilitated case study format.
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
• Describe the purpose of table top exercises.
• List the key responders who should be invited to a table top exercise. preparedness and response table top exercise
• Describe how the information learned in a table to can be used to improve preparedness and response.
• List key components to assess during a table top exercise
Course discusses development and implementation of a risk communication plan, the importance of having a plan,
how to use a 4-step model to build a crisis communication message and how to evaluate the message. Through
case studies, participants develop messages for a variety of crises and receive guidance and feedback on their
messages and strategies.
At the of the course, participants will be able to:
• Describe reasons for having a crisis and emergency risk communication plan
• List tasks that should be accomplished during each phase of the crisis communication life cycle
• Discuss how to develop and evaluate a crisis message
• List the elements that foster successful communication and operational success.
Course focuses on the basics of emergency communication for leaders. Through video recordings of civic leaders
who have been involved in a variety of crisis, first hand experience and lessons learned are shared. An overview of
the principles of communicating in a crisis and the important of the actions and messages from leaders is shared.
Participants will be able to:
• Explain why communication and decision making in a crisis is different
• List six elements that kill operational success
• Describe panic and risk perception
• Discuss what the media will ask first
The biosafety community has been wrestling with how to increase reporting of biosafety incidents and near misses.
This course focuses on the role of biosafety management in promoting incident reporting.
Participant will be able to:
• Describe the role of safety communication
• Analyze how to achieve compliance with correct safety behaviors
• Discuss the role of contextual behaviors
• List examples of general safety failure types
Other Classroom General Biosafety Courses:
Introduction to Laboratory Practice – General InformationThis course offers a general introduction to laboratory practice for O&M personnel and new laboratory employees.
On successful completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
• Describe basic laboratory management and its importance in laboratory safety
• Describe what you need to know before entering a lab
Course provides an overview of the development of risk assessments for O&M staff and other new employees.
Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
• Describe what is meant by “risk” in the laboratory
• Distinguish between “Risk Group” and “Biosafety Level”
• Describe how, when and by whom a risk assessment is performed
useful SOP documents.
Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
• Describe what is meant by an SOP
• Describe the benefits of SOPs
• Demonstrate the process for developing an SOP
Course provides a primer on laboratory biosecurity requirements and techniques.
Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
• Define biological safety vs. biological security
• Describe the relationship between biological safety & biological security
• Describe an effective Biosecurity Program
• Discuss biosecurity vulnerabilities
This course offers an overview of the types of PPE used in the laboratory. On successful completion of the course, the
participant will be able to:
• Describe the importance of PPE for entering BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories
• Describe the PPE required to enter BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories
• Demonstrate the proper procedure for donning and doffing PPE when entering and exiting BSL2 and BSL3