How to resolve AdBlock issue? CDP Program receives ABSA accreditation
The Center for Domestic Preparedness’ Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Training Facility (COBRATF) Biological program has been accredited by the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) International.
ABSA inspectors visited the COBRATF, a biosafety level 2 facility, in 2017, and evaluated the COBRATF’s Biological Program management system, safety program, operating procedures, facilities, laboratory, and work practices.The Center for Domestic Preparedness’ Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Training Facility (COBRATF) Biological program has been accredited by the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) International.
ABSA inspectors visited the COBRATF, a biosafety level 2 facility, in 2017, and evaluated the COBRATF’s Biological Program management system, safety program, operating procedures, facilities, laboratory, and work practices.
The inspection was accomplished as part of ABSA International’s voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, and at the request by the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
“ABSA International developed accreditation standards beginning in 2008 to evaluate laboratories' abilities to manage biological risks,” said Chris Thompson, Laboratory Accreditation Inspector and a past president of ABSA. “This evolved from ABSA International's interest in oversight of high containment laboratories, and was encouraged by government agencies as a result of the 2008 Trans-Federal Task Force on Biosafety and Biosecurity.”
ABSA International’s accreditation program provides agencies with recognition of excellence and compliance with high standards, while providing facilities guidance in generating processes and policies to create a safer environment for their organization, employees, students, and the community.
“It is appropriate to review these laboratories as well as high containment facilities. We hope that accreditation will increase employee satisfaction, attract new talent, demonstrate management commitment to safety and reassure the public that systems are in place to control the hazards,” said Marian Downing, Laboratory Accreditation Inspector and also a past president of ABSA International.
The accreditation lasts for a three-year period, and the CDP is the only level 2 facility to receive ABSA accreditation.
“We were extremely impressed by the excellence shown in all aspects of managing and operating the FEMA COBRATF and its supporting laboratory. We are so grateful for the dedication of the management and employees at the facility, for their dedication to training our nation's first responders, and for their passion for excellence,” said Thompson. “We hope that ABSA International can partner with FEMA to improve training opportunities for all of our first responders to biological and chemical threats.”