Plant Biosafety Virtual Course

This course will provide participants with an overview of APHIS permits including Plant Protection & Quarantine (PPQ), Biotechnology Regulatory Service (BRS) and Veterinarian Services (VS). It also will cover the NIH Guidelines as it relates to environmental release and financial loss. The class will offer a variety of advanced scenarios and interactive exercises that demonstrate the range of biological, genetic modification and the risks and hazards routinely encountered in the greenhouse, fields and labs supporting plant research. Participants will be guided through strategies for identifying potential hazards, for assessing the magnitude and extent of induced risks and cost, and for developing effective control measures to protect the safety of workers, plants and the environment. The course employs “real world” examples to improve understanding of greenhouse and field operations.

Objectives:

• Review basic import permits, hazard identification and risk assessment techniques as they apply to research involving genetically modified (GM) plants
• Learn how to incorporate effective hazard and exposure control strategies into GM and arthropod lab and greenhouse design and research facility management procedures
• Identify ways that safety professionals can work with plant program personnel to address common research safety issues and environmental issues

Deborah Howard, MPH, CBSP

Deborah Howard is the Global Environment, Health and Safety Biological Materials Manager for BASF where she has oversight of greenhouses, laboratories, inoculant and fermentation sites.  She has been the Biosafety Manager at BASF (Bayer buyout in 2018) since May 2014 and was named Global Biosafety Expert in August 2020. Deborah has extensive experience with Select Agent regulations, exporting, greenhouse, arthropods, genetically modified plants and animals. She has over 30 years of experience in health and safety and knowledge of regulations including NIH, OSHA, EPA, APHIS, and USDA. Previously, she was the Biosafety Manager at UNC Chapel Hill.

Attendees will receive 1.0 CM points for registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and Certified Biosafety Safety Professional (CBSP) Maintenance.