Addressing the Training Gap for Single-Use Technologies

[...]it has become crucial to the continued, successful expansion of the industry, with more than 40% of new hires over the next five years expected to support bioprocessing operations (1). In addition to bin and bag design changes and supplier corrective actions, Bayer identified increased training to educate operators and increase their awareness of proper SU bag handling and use as effective means for significantly decreasing the percentage of leaks. The training program was designed by a SU subject matter expert and included information on the site's leak history and trends, the root cause analysis identifying key factors leading to bag leakage, how chevron damage occurs, and proper bag filling techniques. Bayer concluded that effective training is crucial along with in-house technology and knowledge, detailed equipment design, and a good material management program for the operation of reliable SU systems (5).