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Page 8 of Attachment H 
The protocols required to operate fermentation vessels with micro- 
organisms containing recombinant DNA are somewhat more complex because of 
the containment features for inoculation, sampling, etc., but are readily 
learned by skilled pilot plant and production operators. These operating 
protocols have also incorporated a number of redundancy features to 
minimize inadvertent breach of containment. 
The training of fermentation operators has included a general intro- 
duction to all aspects of recombinant DNA and containment issues, and 
highly specific training for everyday operation. The general training has 
included viewing the 1976 Nova film on recombinant DNA which discusses the 
benefits and potential risks associated with recombinant DNA research as 
they were perceived through 1976. Subsequent to viewing the film, various 
aspects of recombinant DNA have been discussed by the biological safety 
officer, the engineering coordinator responsible for fermenter design, 
and immediate supervisors. Operators have been encouraged to participate 
in discussions on potential risk, containment and the NIH Guide! ines . 
Detailed specific training on the pertinent aspects of the NIH Guide! ines 
and on operating protocols designed to meet the specifications of the 
Guidelines and to avoid loss of containment have been carried out by 
principal investigators and the operators' supervisors. The operators 
have been encouraged to discuss any problems or technical questions with 
the principal investigators, supervisors, biological safety officer, or 
physicians in industrial medicine. 
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