Before undertaking any work with biological substances, you must:

• register your details
• check policies and procedures
• undertake training
• read and complete risk assessments

Register your details

Register your details with the University’s biosafety committee if you are working with hazardous biological material. You must be connected to the University network to register your details, for example by using a University of Bristol computer on campus.

You must also log in and update your profile if any information changes as your work progresses or to de-register when you leave or stop working with hazardous biological material.

Policies and procedures

Read, understand and follow the University's policies and procedures governing risk assessment and working safely with hazardous biological material, including biosecurity requirements.

Once registered, you will be able to log into the University network to access an interactive version of this information, or you can read a PDF version.

Training

Undertake any mandatory or optional online biorisk training modules from the University that are applicable to your work. You should also complete any other training decided by your school or supervisor. Your supervisor and induction coordinator will discuss training with you before you start your work.

Risk assessments and operating procedures

Read and understand the risk assessments and operating procedures that your supervisor and other experienced members of your group will have completed. These set out the control measures that you must follow in order to protect yourself, your colleagues and the environment from the hazardous materials that you will be working with.

Do not hesitate to ask for help if you:

• do not understand something
• have questions or concerns about what is written
• have questions or concerns about how to carry out a certain procedure

Asking for help in these scenarios is part of your safety responsibilities and training. Your input may also help to improve practices and prevent accidents from happening.