Dr Tan Boon Keat, Acting Head, Research Lab & Support Services, welcomed the speakers and participants with a brief introduction to the workshop. This was followed by a session by Ms Kayathri and Pn Azareena from JBK on biosafety regulations in the country and working with Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) in the laboratory, respectively. Ms Kayathri also shared in detail the regulations that cover the release, importation, exportation and contained use of LMOs, and the release of products of such organisms, with the objectives of protecting human, plant and animal health, the environment and biological diversity.
Pn Afiza then shared her experience concerning biosafety and biosecurity management and practices implemented in the National Public Health Laboratory.
To kick-off the afternoon session, A/Prof Dr Priya discussed the documentation, labelling and handling of infectious substances before participants were divided into groups to try their hand at packaging substances based on different shipping scenarios. A range of materials, including overpacks, leakproof packaging, absorbent packing material, labels and sample containers were on display for participants to select according to the ‘dangerous good’ they were meant to pack.
With A/Prof Dr Priya’s and Pn Afiza’s guidance, each group presented to the room their packaging of choice and justification based on what they have learnt from the workshop, sharing their concerns and clarifying any issues with the facilitators.