Background
This project is the outcome of a series of workshops convened by the European Biosafety Association (EBSA) Biosafety Professional (BSP) Competence Task Group (composed of representavies from different European countries).
This is a subject of great interest to many such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Commission, national competent authorities and biosafety groups since the BSP is seen as instrumental in the design and management of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity programmes to ensure protection of workers, public health and the environment arising from activities involving potentially hazardous biological materials and preventing their misuse.
The Laboratory Biorisk Management Standard (CWA 15793 published in February 2008) recognizes a key role for the biosafety professional in a laboratory biosafety and biosecurity management programme. While the Laboratory Biorisk Management Standard defines the role of the BSP in general terms, the present initiative complements the Laboratory Standard by clearly defining the role profile, the tasks and competency requirements for the BSP, developing a curriculum to train the BSP and setting a framework for establishing training programmes as well as certifying biosafety professionals.
The main funding of the project will be provided by the European Commission (Directorate-General Justice, Freedom and Security).
CEN Workshop Agreement
The CWA will clearly define the tasks, the knowledge and experience required to adequately fulfill the function of BSP.
CEN Workshop Status
The kick-off meeting of the workshop took place in Frankfurt on 17 December 2009.
Adopted Business Plan
Should you wish to participate in this CEN Workshop, please contact the Secretariat of the Workshop.
Contact points
CEN Workshop Co-Chairs
Mr Helmut Bachmayer
Biosafety and Biosecurity Consultant
Hohe Wandstrasse 44
AT-2344 Maria Enzersdorf
Tel: + 43 2236 47191
E-mail
Ms Ursula Jenal
Swiss Federal Office for the Environment
CH-3003 Bern
Tel: + 41 79 652 92 17
E-mail
CEN Workshop Secretariat
NEN
Mr Marcel de Vreeze
P.O. Box 5059
NL-2600 GB Delft
Tel: + 31 15 2 690 125
E-mail
CEN Management Centre
Ms Gaïd Le Gall
Programme Manager
Innovation and Business Development
Avenue Marnix 17
B-1000 Brussels
Tel: + 32 2 550 09 39
E-mail