Biosafety in the MCS Microbiology Laboratory

Biosafety

Principles, technologies, and practices to prevent unintentional exposures to and accidental release of pathogens and toxins

Compliance

Adherence to local, state, federal, and international regulations for handling biohazards

Lapses

Failures in protection or compliance that can result in illness, injury, loss of reputation, legal action, fines, or penalties

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) CDC

Guidance document recommending best practices for safe work in biosafety https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html

WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual

Practical guidance on biosafety techniques for laboratories at all levels provided by the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240011311

Biological Hazards

Agents that cause human, animal, or plant diseases, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, and prions

Exotic Pathogens

Foreign diseases or previously eradicated organisms/pathogens

Human/Primate Source Material

Blood, body fluid, cells, or tissues from humans or primates, treated as infectious

Biological Toxins

Potent toxins derived from bacteria, algae, plants, fungi, or animals

Emerging Pathogens

Pathogens that are appearing for the first time or rapidly increasing in incidence, geographic range, host, or vector range

Recombinant DNA

Genetically-modified organisms with altered characteristics, such as host range, pathogenicity, survivability, antibiotic resistance, etc.

Viral Vectors

Infective or infectious vectors used for gene transfer

Hazardous Gene Expression

Expression or disruption/suppression of normal gene function with potential risks, such as cancer potential, immune system modulation, toxin production, etc.

Risk Group Classification

Classification based on the association with and severity of disease in humans

Biosafety Level (BSL)

A set of conditions under which an agent can be safely handled, ranging from BSL-1 to BSL-4

Agent Factors

Characteristics of the agent that determine the level of risk

Procedure Factors

Procedures used that may increase the hazardous nature of the materials

Host Factors

Factors related to the host that may affect the risk, such as deficiencies in host defenses, reproductive status, allergies, immunization status, and behavioral elements

Biosafety Level 1 (BL1)

Microbiological and laboratory practices: No eating, drinking, applying makeup, or leaving hair untied. Safety glasses and lab coats must be worn. Hands should be washed frequently. Surfaces, equipment, and biowaste should be decontaminated. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training materials should be prepared.

Biosafety Level 2 (BL2)

BL1 practices plus: Biohazard sign on the door. The door should be closed with negative air pressure. Access to the laboratory should be limited or restricted. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, safety glasses, and sometimes respirators should be used. A high degree of precaution should be taken with sharps. An autoclave should be available. Medical checkups and immunizations should be conducted as needed.

Administrative Controls

Controls such as training, supervision, and a medical surveillance program

Engineering Controls

Controls such as directional inward air flow and biosafety cabinets

Work Practice Controls

Controls such as following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and avoiding recapping needles

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment such as gloves, lab coats, and face shields used for personal protection

Biosafety Equipment

Equipment such as cleanable work surfaces, leak-proof transport containers, safety needles/syringes, and spill kits

Hand Washing

Frequent hand washing to prevent hand transmission of infections

Biohazard Spill

Proper procedures for handling and cleaning up biohazard spills

Biowaste

Infectious or potentially infectious waste that must be properly identified, stored, and disposed of

Hazardous Aerosols

Potential aerosols generated during microbiology lab procedures that may pose a hazard

Glove Removal

Proper technique for removing gloves to minimize contamination

Emergencies

Procedures and equipment for handling potential exposures or releases

Laboratory-Acquired Infections (LAIs)

Infections acquired by laboratory workers through routes such as inhalation, accidental inoculation, or exposure to non-intact skin or mucous membranes