IOSH Biological Safety Officer
An Introduction
IOSH approved training Course is a rigorous, industry-aligned programme designed to empower senior professionals with the specialised knowledge and practical skills required to manage biosafety in high-risk, regulated environments.
It is suitable for
experienced personnel in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotech, hospital, and laboratory sectors, the IOSH Biological Safety Officer course provides a deep understanding of the legal frameworks governing biological agents and genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs), both in Ireland and across the EU.
I will learn
how to conduct and evaluate biological risk assessments, implement containment strategies across levels 1–4 and navigate the complex notification and licensing requirements enforced by regulatory bodies such as the HSA and EPA. With a strong emphasis on Good Microbiological Practice and Procedure (GMPP) and Good Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH), the course equips learners to foster a culture of safety, compliance, and accountability within their organisations.
To conclude,
Whether supporting biosafety committees, managing incidents, or liaising with occupational health teams, graduates of this course will be fully prepared to fulfil the critical role of Biological Safety Officer with confidence and competence.
IOSH Biological Safety Officer: More Information below
Quick Facts
- Course Title: IOSH Approved Biological Safety Officer Training Centre
- Duration: 3 days over 1 week – 6 hours per day – lunch and 2X tea breaks
- Max no of attendees per course: 8
- Test: Theoretical and Practical Assessment: 65% pass rate required.
Scheduled Venues, Dates, Price
This course is available on a private basis. The Occupli Client Solutions team will be able to arrange a trainer for you based on your requirements. It will take place in person in either Cork or Dublin locations:
- Cork: Euro Business Park, Ballytrasna, Cork, T45 DK25
- Dublin: Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount Rd Lower, Ballymount Great, Dublin 24
Course Objectives
The aim of the Biological Safety Officer course is to provide participants with the knowledge and understanding required to effectively fulfil the role of a BSO in regulated, high-risk environments.
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand the need for a designated Biological Safety Officer within facilities handling biological agents and/or GMMs.
- Be familiar with the legal requirements, responsibilities and obligations associated with the BSO role, as defined by Irish and EU legislation.
- Know how to function competently as a BSO, including practical steps to meet compliance expectations across regulatory bodies such as the HSA and EPA.
- Be equipped to support and uphold best practice in biosafety, in line with GMPP (Good Microbiological Practice and Procedure) and GOSH (Good Occupational Safety and Health) principles, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace.
Target Audience
This course is designed for experienced professionals working across the pharmaceutical, chemical, industrial, biotechnology, hospital, and laboratory sectors. It is ideally suited for senior personnel such as lab managers, chief technologists, senior researchers, and other decision-makers who are responsible for overseeing laboratory operations, ensuring compliance and driving innovation.
Course Contents
IOSH Biological Safety Officer Course Content
Day 1 – Associated documents( Occupli-BSO- LessonPlan1-V1.0-2025)
- Historical legislative overview of OSH legislation in Ireland
- (Irish/EU) relevant/current legislation & guidance re Bio Agents/GMMs work activities/workplaces
- Role of HSA & EPA; Biohazard Risk Assessment (re Biological Agents risk assessment & HSA notification requirements)
Day 2 – Associated documents( Occupli-BSO- LessonPlan2-V1.0-2025)
- Re-cap of Biological Agents Risk Assessment (as it leads to the development of controls measures/procedures and practices)
- Equipment required and used in the Containment Laboratories, Lab facilities, Containment requirements and levels assigned; Disinfection & Decontamination
- Transport of Biol/Agents & GMMs; Waste management relating specifically to biohazardous waste.
Day 3 – Associated documents( Occupli-BSO-LessonPlan3-V1.0-2025)
- Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs) – Risk Assessment & Classification of GMMs
- Contained Use Legislation as it relates to GMMs in the workplace (including notification requirements to EPA)
- Lab Management; Biosecurity; Occ. Health, BSO & Biosafety Committees Roles/Functions; Incident procedures; Training Needs.
WHO Reccomendations
The WHO outlined in regards to Appointing a Biosafety Officer, a number of critical points of assigning a dedicated individual to oversee laboratory safety, particularly in environments handling biological hazards.
Why it’s necessary: Medical laboratories pose various risks, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and especially biological. To manage these risks effectively, coordinated safety procedures and oversight are essential.
Role of the Biosafety Officer (BSO): The BSO is responsible for planning and managing the laboratory’s safety improvement process. This includes developing safety policies, training staff, conducting inspections, investigating incidents, and advising laboratory management.
Support and recognition: The BSO must be fully supported by laboratory management and recognized by all staff to ensure cooperation and effectiveness.
Appointment process: The Laboratory Manager should first define the BSO’s responsibilities and then select a competent and willing staff member. Once appointed, the BSO’s role should be clearly communicated to all staff.
Resources: The page references WHO’s Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) handbook and biosafety manuals, which provide detailed guidance on safety practices, including those specific to TB laboratories.
For more information please click here
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