Division Title
Safety

Student Laboratory Safety Training

S.T.A.R.S. (Safe Techniques Advance Research Science) Training

S.T.A.R.S. Training is a summer program only


Due to COVID-19 restrictions, S.T.A.R.S. will not be offered in 2022.

 

Select one of the links below for more information:

Goals

  1. To provide students with the knowledge of a broad range of safety topics applicable to a biomedical research facility in a hands-on-"Learn by Doing" laboratory environment.
  2. To foster critical thinking and problem solving skills vital to potential hazard recognition and accident prevention through mock learning scenarios and challenges.
  3. Students will learn how important it is to stop, think and apply safe laboratory practices when working at the NIH.

back to the top

Summer Student Safety Training Requirements

Summer Students (arriving in May, June, July) have to meet special requirements based on age and experience:

Empty Heading Under 18 Years Old 18-21 Years Old Over 21 Years Old
New Students
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online training)
  • STARS "Learn By Doing" Lab Safety Training- not offered in 2022
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online training)
  • STARS "Learn By Doing" Lab Safety Training- not offered in 2022
  • Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens (on-line)*
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online training)
  • Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens (on-line)*
Returning Students
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training* (online)
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training* (online)
​ ​* as applicable ​ ​

       

back to the top

Program Components: What You Need to Know

Introduction to Laboratory Safety - Computer-based Training

All new employees working in a NIH laboratory are required to complete this computer-based training course prior to working in the lab. Training provides an overview of basic laboratory safe practices and an introduction to common chemical, biological, and physical hazards.  Remember to keep your training certificate for your records. To register, visit the external linkNIH Safety Training Web Site

 
You do not need to have NIH identification to take the S.T.A.R.S. Training.

"Learn-by-Doing" Laboratory Safety Training Class

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, S.T.A.R.S. will not be offered in 2022.


All new summer students working in a NIH laboratory who are 21 and under, are required to complete the "Learn-by Doing" laboratory safety training within 30 days of beginning work in the laboratory.


This course is taught by occupational safety and health professionals   A broad range of laboratory topics covered including:

    • principles of biosafety 
    • chemical handling and use 
    • common laboratory hazards 
    • emergency preparedness.

The learning objectives will be met through active dialogue between students and instructors. During the course you will:

  • work in small groups with an instructor 
  • practice and learn safe laboratory techniques and practices 
  • rules of safe laboratory conduct  
  • problem solve and challenge critical thinking skills through a series of learning exercises.

To demonstrate material comprehension, attendees must complete a quiz.  An 85% minimum passing grade is required. If attendees required additional follow-up due to a low-scoring quiz grade, students will receive additional one-on-one instruction to ensure course completion and success. To register, visit the external linkNIH Safety Training Web Site

  
You do not need to have NIH identification to take the S.T.A.R.S. Training.

back to the top