Evaluation of a biomedical laboratory safety training program at the National Institutes of Healt

Safety training for laboratory personnel in biomedical research facilities is required for practical reasons and under various Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. This dissertation describes research to assess the effectiveness of a laboratory safety training program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland.;The purpose of the study had three elements. The first was to measure the effectiveness of the laboratory safety training program in conveying specific information. The second was to develop a descriptive model of the variables associated with the intent to change laboratory work practices. The third element of the study was to develop a model of the work practices of the participants before the training program and summarize changes reported four weeks later.;One hundred and forty-two laboratory research personnel participated in the training program. One hundred and one participants (101) completed all of the written materials used in the evaluation. A randomly selected reference group (N = 34) was used as a comparative cohort.;The laboratory safety knowledge of the participants in the study was found to increase significantly. The average pretest score was approximately 29% before the program and 80% afterward (p. $<$.05). The self-reported intent to change their work practices was closely associated with (1) the participants' perceptions of the presenter, (2) the usefulness of the information and (3) the perceived need for increased attention to laboratory safety at the NIH. Third, attitudes toward the need for periodic laboratory safety training improved four weeks after the program (p. $<$.05). Finally, several changes in laboratory work practices were reported four weeks after the program. On average, one to two changes per topic could be expected per individual.;The implications of this study include a need for continued research, consideration of alternative instructional approaches and further curriculum development in biomedical laboratory safety. The study also highlights the need for introductory laboratory safety training for research personnel new to the NIH.