Biosafety Laboratory Training Programme for Postgraduate Students
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), through the Institute of Postgraduate Studies & Research, successfully organised a Biosafety Laboratory Training Programme on 19 June 2025 at the UTAR Kampar Campus and 30 June 2025 at the UTAR Sungai Long Campus.
The full-day programme, held from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., was designed to promote safe laboratory practices and strengthen awareness of biosafety and biosecurity among postgraduate students.
A total of 30 participants from the Kampar Campus and 10 participants from the Sungai Long Campus attended the training at their respective campuses. The Kampar Campus session was conducted by Dr. Teh Lai Kuan, while the Sungai Long Campus session was led by Ms. Teh Hui Xin. Participants actively engaged in both the lecture-based and practical-oriented sessions. The programme aimed to equip laboratory users with essential knowledge and skills to ensure compliance with institutional guidelines and relevant regulatory requirements.
The training began with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of biosafety and biosecurity, highlighting the importance of protecting laboratory personnel, the environment, and the integrity of scientific research. Participants were then guided through Good Laboratory Work Practices, which covered standard laboratory conduct, proper documentation, housekeeping, and general safety rules.
A dedicated session on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided practical guidance on the correct selection, usage, and disposal of protective gear to minimise exposure to potential hazards. This was followed by an in-depth module on Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation, where participants learned how to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement appropriate control measures in their daily laboratory work.
In the afternoon sessions, participants were introduced to best practices for the Transportation of Hazardous Materials, focusing on safe handling, packaging, and compliance with safety requirements. The programme also addressed Laboratory Waste Management, emphasising proper segregation, labelling, treatment, and disposal of biological and chemical waste in accordance with institutional and regulatory standards.
An interactive quiz session was conducted to reinforce key learning points, followed by an open discussion session that encouraged participants to share experiences and clarify real-life laboratory safety scenarios.
Feedback from participants indicated a positive learning experience, with many highlighting the value of combining theoretical knowledge with practical examples and discussions.
UTAR remains committed to fostering a strong culture of safety and responsibility in research and teaching laboratories. The successful implementation of this training programme reflects the University’s ongoing efforts to support postgraduate students and laboratory users in upholding high standards of biosafety and regulatory compliance.
The Institute of Postgraduate Studies & Research looks forward to organising similar programmes in the future to further strengthen biosafety awareness and promote best practices across the University’s research community.
Group photo at UTAR Kampar Campus during the Biosafety Laboratory Training Programme
Practical session on proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Practical session on proper donning and doffing of gloves