Microbiological Exposures and Risk Evaluations
About this course
The exposure to microorganisms and their toxins is relevant in many workplaces, such as waste handling, work with metalworking fluids and agriculture. The exposure is complex and often poorly characterized. The risk evaluation of the microbiological exposure is also difficult and no consensus exists on what elements in the exposure should be targeted.
This course aims to give an insight into what techniques are available for sampling and measuring microbiological exposures. Different aspect of risk assessment, preventive measures and health effects connected with microbiological exposures will be discussed.
Price information
The price of the course consists of the course fee of EUR 500
and the day package of choice.
Day package I
This package includes
- conference facilities and technical equipment
- course material
- coffees, lunches
- dinners and the social program on Wednesday.
We strongly encourage you to take part in the social program, as this is a vital part of the NIVA course experience. We believe in the power of networking and strive to create an inspiring possibility for that through the social program.
The total price of the course is EUR 1000 (course fee EUR 500 + day package fee EUR 500).
Day package II
This package includes
- conference facilities and technical equipment
- course material
- coffees and lunches.
Kindly note that the day package II does not include dinners nor the social program.
The total price of the course is EUR 790 (course fee EUR 500 + day package fee EUR 290).
Accommodation
21st-23rd of March 2023 at Hotel Lysebu, Oslo area, Norway.
NIVA has made a block reservation for the accommodation 21st–23rd of March 2023 at Hotel Lysebu, Oslo, Norway.
To book a room from the block kindly make the reservation by emailing the hotel directly at booking@lysebu.no or by phone +47 21 51 10 20. Please refer to NIVA 21.-23.03.23 when booking the room (available until 24.1.2023).
The room price for a single standard room is NOK 1534 (approx. EUR 150)/night (including breakfast).
The block reservation will be available until 24th of January 2023.
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to give the participants a foundation for conducting risk assessment of microbiological exposures in the workplace. Challenges with exposure measurements as well as the evaluation of results from exposure measurements will be addressed. The course will give an insight into risk communication, preventive measures and health effects of microbiological exposures
During the course different techniques for measuring microbiological exposures will also be discussed as well as difficulties with collection of representative samples and choice of analytical techniques.
Target groups
Researchers, Labor Inspection, OHS
Subject background
Microorganisms, both harmless and potential harmful, are everywhere – also in many workplaces. Workers are exposed to microorganisms through inhalation and dermal contact, resulting in adverse health effects, including infections and allergic and inflammatory effects of the lung and skin. Although much is known about potential effects of microorganisms, different species spectra in different occupations settings may have various effect, and the cause-and effect relationship is not clear. The complex exposure at workplaces makes the risk evaluation difficult. New analytical techniques have made it possible to identify different species of microorganisms, giving a much more detailed characterisation of the exposure. How can this information be used for a risk evaluation, and how to communicate the results?
Microbiological exposures is not only a problem in well-established work environments, also new exposures are emerging. For instance has the focus upon a more circular economy with an increased recycling, sorting and cleaning of waste created new exposure scenarios for microorganisms, and the knowledge of the health hazards of employees in these industries is scarce.
General course fee and cancellation information
The courses and workshops vary in price. Please note that the course fee does not cover meals or accommodation. The course fee and day-package fee are invoiced after the registration deadline.
Travel arrangements
Please refrain from booking any tickets until we have confirmed the course. The confirmation, which will be sent after the registration deadline, will include detailed information on the payment of the course fee and day-packages, as well as information on accommodation options and practical arrangements. Please note that you are not insured by NIVA.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received by January, 19th 2023: full refund
Cancellations received by January, 20th 2023 or later: no refund
The total price of the course will be invoiced after the registration deadline.
The price is subject to minor changes.
Contact persons
Course leader
Pål Graff, Lead Research Professor, STAMI, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway and
Professor, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
email: pal.graff@stami.no
In practical matters, please contact:
Cecilia Weckman
Project Manager & Quality Assurance Advisor
NIVA
mobile: +358 40 1258 748
email: cecilia.weckman@niva.org
