Biological Agent Safety Awareness

The Real Cost of Biological Agent Incidents
• Common causes of biological exposure incidents in workplaces
• Health impacts on employees, contractors, and visitors
• Business disruption, absenteeism, and operational downtime
• Reputational damage and regulatory consequences
• Lessons learned from workplace contamination events and near misses

Understanding Biological Agents
• What are biological agents?
• Types of biological hazards found in workplaces
• Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and biological materials
• Routes of transmission and exposure
• Understanding infection and contamination risks

Hazard Identification & Risk Awareness
• Recognising biological hazards in workplace activities
• Identifying tasks with potential exposure risks
• Understanding vulnerable groups and higher-risk situations
• Assessing biological risks before work begins
• Recognising early warning signs of contamination hazards

Exposure Pathways & Health Risks
• Airborne exposure risks
• Contact transmission and contamination pathways
• Bloodborne and bodily fluid exposure awareness
• Occupational illnesses linked to biological agents
• Short-term and long-term health impacts

Safe Working Practices & Control Measures
• Hierarchy of controls for biological hazards
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
• Hygiene and handwashing protocols
• Safe handling procedures
• Workplace cleaning and disinfection principles

Biological Spill & Contamination Awareness
• Responding to contamination incidents safely
• Isolation and containment principles
• Reporting and escalation procedures
• Managing accidental exposure incidents
• Supporting workplace emergency arrangements

Organisational Responsibility & Safety Culture
• Employee responsibilities for biological safety
• Supervisor and management responsibilities
• Reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses
• Supporting safe systems of work
• Developing a proactive workplace safety culture

Biological Safety as an Ongoing Risk Management Activity
• Monitoring workplace biological risks
• Maintaining awareness and vigilance
• Reviewing risk assessments and control measures
• Continuous improvement and prevention strategies
• Embedding biological safety into everyday operations

This course is suitable for individuals who may be exposed to biological hazards or are responsible for workplace safety and hygiene.

Participants may include:

• Healthcare workers
• Laboratory personnel
• Facilities and cleaning staff
• Maintenance teams
• Waste management personnel
• Health & Safety Officers
• EHS Managers
• Hospitality and accommodation staff
• Public sector employees
• General workplace staff in environments with biological risk

No prior biological safety training is required.

Risk Reduction
Understanding biological hazards helps reduce the risk of infection, illness, and workplace outbreaks.

Workplace Safety
Effective control measures protect employees, visitors, and the public from exposure to harmful biological agents.

Legal Responsibility
Employers must identify and control biological hazards as part of workplace risk management.

Public Health Protection
Training supports infection prevention and contributes to broader public health safety.

Participants will:

• Understand different types of biological hazards
• Recognise routes of transmission and exposure risks
• Identify biological hazards within their workplace
• Apply infection prevention and control measures
• Use PPE correctly and safely
• Respond appropriately to biological incidents
• Support organisational compliance and safety practices

Instructor-led training with practical examples and discussion.

Includes:

• Interactive learning sessions
• Workplace scenario discussions
• Demonstrations of hygiene and PPE practices
• Guidance on risk prevention and control measures

Delivered:
• Onsite at client premises, or
• Online Webinar

This training supports employer obligations under:

• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013

Irish legislation requires employers to:

• Identify biological hazards in the workplace
• Carry out risk assessments
• Implement appropriate control measures
• Provide information, instruction, and training to employees
• Protect employee health and prevent exposure

Samson Training delivers practical workplace safety training focused on real-world risk awareness and prevention.

Our approach emphasises:

• Clear understanding of biological risks
• Practical infection prevention techniques
• Real workplace scenarios and applications
• Structured and compliant training delivery
• Building awareness and responsibility across teams

We position biological safety awareness as a core component of workplace health protection and organisational responsibility.

What is Biological Safety Awareness training?
Biological Safety Awareness training teaches participants how to recognise biological hazards, understand how infections spread, and apply control measures to reduce exposure risk.

Who should attend Biological Safety training?
Anyone working in environments where biological hazards may be present, including healthcare, cleaning, maintenance, and public-facing roles.

Is Biological Safety training required in Ireland?
Employers must assess and control biological hazards in the workplace and provide appropriate training where risks are identified.

Does the course include PPE training?
Yes. Participants learn how to correctly select, use, and dispose of personal protective equipment.

How long is the course?
The course is delivered over one full day and includes both theoretical and practical learning.