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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 offered during the summer season. Click here for more information. 


 

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.
  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.

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Summer Student Safety Training Requirements

Safety Training Database Updates for Safety Training Users

Beginning Oct 1st, 2025, the Safety Training site, https://www.safetytraining.nih.gov,  is using an updated system managed training. You will notice a new user interface with improved functionality. The  site will only be accessible to internal NIH Users (with a current Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card) and will no longer be publicly accessible.


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

Empty Heading ​Under 18 Years Old 18 Years Old and Over Without a  Bachelor's Degree  18 Years Old and Over with a Bachelor's Degree 
New Students
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online)
  • Bloodborne-Pathogens Training (for Non-Hospital Personnel)
  • STARS live webinar (for those working in a laboratory)
  • Radiation Safety in the Laboratory (if working with radiation)#
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online)
  •  Bloodborne Pathogens Training (for Non-Hospital Personnel)
  • STARS live webinar (for those working in a laboratory)
  • Radiation Safety in the Laboratory ( if working with radiation)#
  • Introduction to Lab Safety (online)
  •  Bloodborne Pathogens Training (for Non-Hospital Personnel)*
  • Radiation Safety in the Laboratory (if working with Radiation)#
Returning Students
(for those taking Laboratory Safety and Bloodborne Pathogens training, the same training materials will be used for initial and Refresher Training)
  • ​Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Radiation Safety in the Laboratory (if working with radiation)#
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training (online)
  • Radiation Safety in the Laboratory (if working with radiation)*
  • Lab Safety Refresher Training (online)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training (online)*
  • Radiation Safety in the Laboratory (if working with radiation)#
​ ​​ ​* As Applicable     # Additional requirements for Radiation 

       

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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 Courses- Main. 

 

STARS Laboratory Safety Training Class

All new summer students who have not completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to work in any wet laboratory or in any clinical setting at the NIH until completing the STARS webinar, the final knowledge assessment, and receive a certificate of completion.


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:

  • Recognize age-based restrictions for laboratory work

  • Recognize training requirements

  • Identify types of hazards

  • Apply hierarchy of controls

  • Identify the hazards of chemicals based on hazard pictograms

  • Discuss Chemical Safety

  • Identify Select Agents

  • Identify and differentiate Biosafety Levels/BSLs

  • Utilize and reference guidance documents

  • Recognize NIH emergency procedures

  • Identify proper waste disposal

To demonstrate material comprehension, STARS eligible interns must complete a quiz and receive a score of 80%, which is the minimum passing grade. If STARS interns require 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 Courses- Main. 

  

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