> >Does anyone have recommendations for biology safety training that isn't focused on molecular/microbiology? I am specifically looking at something for working with live bug specimens, preserved specimens, field work, cadavers, etc.

This goes beyond your original question, I think that it's worth pointing out that field biosafety does present microbiological hazards. In the fall of 2019, I was talking with our microbiology faculty member about best practices for handling field microbiology samples - i.e. when BSL-2 precautions were appropriate. Then the SARS-CoV-2 virus started spreading throughout the environment and introduced a risk group 3 hazard into a world built to manage BSL1 and 2 agents.

I don't know if the biosafety profession has begun adjusting protocols for handling environmental microbiology samples based on this event, but this development could raise questions to consider in biological work in general. Examples would be:
Should collectors of field samples be wearing N95 masks?
Should all environmental samples be managed in biosafety cabinets?
What signs and symptoms of novel infections should workers be monitored for?

Such an interesting time to be working in this field!

- Ralph

Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
ralph**At_Symbol_Here**rstuartcih.org

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