Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) and Pakistan Biological Safety Association (PBSA) Joint Workshop on Biological Risk Mitigation Training at PAS Secretariat, Islamabad (March 11-13, 2023)
The Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) in collaboration with the Pakistan Biological Safety Association (PBSA) jointly organized a three-day “Train the Trainers” Workshop on the Biological Risk Mitigation Training Program for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) chapter on March 11-13, 2023. The main objective of the workshop was to raise awareness about the safety measures and practices which can be adopted by the researchers during work in the laboratories to minimize the risk of exposure to biological hazards.
The workshop was attended by 44 professionals from various institutions. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), was invited as chief guest. President PBSA Dr. Saeed Khan inaugurated the workshop. The workshop comprised hands-on practical sessions, interactive discussions, and informative presentations on various topics such as donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), the beaking method, biosecurity and its primary control measures, role and responsibilities of a biosafety officer, types of biosafety cabinets, waste management, biological spill management, and the shipping of infectious substances.
Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari (Fellow PAS) presented a talk on “Leadership in Biosafety and Biosecurity” on March 11, 2023. The trainers, namely Mr. Anayat Umar, Dr. Zia Ashraf, Dr. Imran Khattak, Mr. Raza Mohy Ud Din, and Dr. Tahir Usman, delivered training lectures on important concepts related to biosafety and biosecurity. Chapter Head Dr. Afreenish Hassan and Co-chapter head Dr. Muhammad Ali (Member PAS) contributed with their incredible efforts in organizing the event successfully. President PBSA Dr. Saeed Khan and General Secretary – PBSA Dr. Javed Muhammad also delivered lectures during the event.
The workshop provided knowledge and skills to implement measures that enhance laboratory safety andminimize the risk of exposure to biological hazards. The workshop was concluded by Dr. Muhammad Ali (Member PAS) by giving a vote of thanks to the honourable chief guest, organisers, speakers and all the participants
