ABSANZ eNewsletter April 2021
8th April 2021
CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT12 months ago, I had what was to be my last flight of 2020 following the 2020 ABSANZ board meeting in Melbourne. Back then the board had no idea then how the year ahead would pan out, we started looking at disaster management and alternatives to the face-to-face conference. Fast forward to March 2021 and we have just finished our 2021 face to face board meeting. This year the meeting was in Adelaide why Adelaide for the face-to-face board meeting? This year’s conference will be in Adelaide and meeting there for the face-to-face board strategy meeting gave us a good chance to scope out the convention centre and visit a number of facilities for the conference facility tours – including The Plant Accelerator (or TPA). Adelaide also represented a good “safe” middle ground for all directors given the current COVID instability of the East coast of Australia. This year’s strategy sessions focussed on consolidating the 2020 strategic plan and building on the success of our piloted education and networking events which we hope to continue building on throughout the year.
Third Part Assessor?? No, The Plant Accelerator - One of the exciting site visits to be offered at 2021 conference in Adelaide. It is also with sadness that I wish to inform the membership that Dr Barry Wards who was one of ABSANZs’ founding members, chair of countless committees and past president has resigned from all operational duties associated with ABSANZ due to a change in personal circumstances. Barry has been a guiding beacon for ABSANZ, and his strategy, poise and friendship will be missed around the table, Barry will continue with his membership of ABSANZ. In order to ensure ABSANZ has balanced representation between Australia and New Zealand the board approached Katherine Garnett to fill Barries role as a casual vacancy and I am delighted to say that Katherine has accepted. While none of us have a crystal ball for how 2021 will pan out, thanks to excellent financial stewardship from past boards and finance and risk committees I feel confident that we can deliver an association that has benefits for all members (including our New Zealand members who may not be able to travel). To our members, sponsors, and exhibitors a heartfelt thanks for continuing to support ABSANZ, with our strategy locked in place for 2021 I look forward to delivering great things to our members. Stay well, Stephen Coulter |
ABSANZ LATEST NEWSEducation and Training CommitteeThe Australian Government is supporting the WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) which aims at complete eradication of the poliovirus. This is an achievable goal because:
Next steps - to identify any potentially infectious materials (PIMs) that may exist and to ensure they are either destroyed or stored securely in an appropriately certified facility. The CSIRO is currently conducting the 2021 Australian Facilities Survey: Management of polio viruses and potentially infectious materials (PIMs). The survey asks the following questions:
If your facility has any of the above, you should probably be participating in the survey. Frequently asked questions related to storage and handling of PIMs can be found here. - Sara Johnston ABSANZ Member Discussion ForumWe encourage ABSANZ members to support and share your knowledge, ideas and resources. This Member-Only discussion forum is to facilitate the connection and interaction of Australasia’s Biosafety and Biosecurity community.
Know someone who should consider an ABSANZ membership? We would be pleased if you would forward this eNewsletter to them and encourage them to join! |
HOT TOPIC: PROPOSED NEW IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD (NZ)From 30 March to 14 May 2021, Biosecurity New Zealand invites comment on a proposed new import health standard for research samples (excluding animal and human samples). Please send any comments here by 4th May 2021 so a submission can be prepared on behalf of ABSANZ. The proposed import health standard specifies the requirements that must be met when importing samples of plants, plant materials, inorganic matter, organic matter (excluding animal and human matter), water, and microorganisms associated with them for research into New Zealand and will affect parts of the following import health standards: A range of research samples are regularly imported into New Zealand. Currently, the import requirements for research samples are spread across 8 different import health standards. The proposed new import health standard centralises all the requirements for research samples, streamlining their importation. If the proposed import health standard is issued, the related standards will be amended to remove the research sample requirements - click here to read more. We welcome your feedback on the:
Full details of the proposed changes are in the below consultation documents: Draft IHS for research samples (excluding animal and human samples) Draft risk management proposal for importing research samples (excluding animal and human samples) - ABSANZ Regulatory Liaison Committee |
UPCOMING EVENTSValidation methodologies for different types of microbial decontamination WebinarDate - Thursday 15 April 2021 Time - 12.00pm to 1.00pm AEDT Venue - Webinar (via computer) Pricing: $33 Members | $88 Non-Members. Knowing your Autoclaves Webinar - registration opening soonDate - Tuesday 11 May 2021 Time - 12.00pm to 1.00pm AEDT Venue - Webinar (via computer) Pricing: $33 Members | $88 Non-Members. Watch this space for a full calendar of facility tours, interesting workshops and webinars that ABSANZ will offer in 2021! WHAT'S NEWKeep an eye out for latest news throughout the month which is published on the website. AS/NZS 2243 review updateAS/NZS 2243.3:2019, Safety in laboratories, Part 3: Microbiological safety and containment review status. Aerosol virus spread & hotel quarantine issue document by Neil WallsNeil Walls has written to Chief Health Officers regarding COVID 19 risk management Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th EditionThis edition of BMBL includes revised sections, agent summary statements, and appendices WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual (LBM), 4th EditionThe WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual (LBM) has been in broad use at all levels of clinical and public health laboratories, and other biomedical sectors globally, serving as a de facto global standard that presents best practices and sets trends in biosafety IFBA UpdatesThe International Federation of Biosafety Associations is pleased to spotlight the Japanese Biological Safety Association (JBSA), our member biosafety organization in Japan, and Dr. Sri Handayani Irianingsih, an IFBA Certified Professional in Biorisk Management in Indonesia. The IFBA is inviting applications for a NuAire funded grant to cover examination fees towards obtaining the IFBA’s Professional Certification in Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use. NuAire Laboratory Equipment has a long tradition of supporting Biosafety Associations as an educational effort to further understanding and knowledge in support of the life science community. This certification identifies individuals with demonstrated competencies in the fundamental principles & practices of selecting and safely using biosafety cabinets for the handling of infectious materials. Candidates applying for this certification must have successfully complete the prerequisite IFBA’s Professional Certification in Biorisk Management before they are eligible for this grant. For more information about the IFBA’s certification in Biosafety Cabinets please refer to the attached exam content and study guide. Individuals who are interested in applying for the grant are requested to fill out the attached application form. The deadline to submit your completed application is May 7, 2021. To learn more about NuAire please visit: www.nuaire.com |
MEET AN ABSANZ VOLUNTEER - THIS ISSUE: MILLY YIM
Growing up, I seem to have a single vision of wanting to be involved in all things research. So, when I did grow up (a little!), I spent at least 15 years as a research support officer in various capacities: from diagnostic labs, clinical research labs to teaching labs. The research area that I have been working in revolves mostly around cancer research, molecular biology, a bit of pharmacology, microbiology as well as the use of some lab animals in the process. My time as a research support staff has opened my eyes to areas outside of research itself, such as Biosafety (and subsequently being introduced to ABSANZ), animal and human ethics, occupational health and safety in the laboratory environment, clinical trials and research governance. Over the years, I gradually transited from bench work to OHS compliance work. I currently work as an Occupational Health & Safety Business Partner with the University of Melbourne, holding laboratories as well as teaching and learning related portfolio. My portfolio and role enable me to liaise and support the building’s laboratory manager, especially in their absence. Being in a research and teaching environment means that I get to be involved in a variety of situations such as safe laboratory related management including biohazard management, compliance of certain chemical exposure levels, providing staff and students with accurate information on this front etc. There is certainly a wealth of knowledge amongst ABSANZ members, with individuals from different areas of expertise to tap into. I, for one, am looking to learn as much as I can from other members so that I can apply what I have learnt (and still learning) to my current role. With this in mind and with some encouragement, I had the opportunity to contribute to this wonderful organization by joining the Membership Development Committee in 2020. ENEWSLETTER MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS
Please email us to find out more. |
