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Vocabulary flashcards covering biohazards, risk groups, biosafety levels, containment principles, documentation practices, waste management, and sample handling as presented in the lecture notes.
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Biohazard (biohazard)
Biological substances that pose threats to human health, animals, or the environment.
Biohazard sources
Origins of biohazards include microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), biological toxins, and human/plant/animal tissues.
Biological hazards
Biological substances or agents capable of causing infection, toxicity, or other harm.
Biological Agent Risk Group (RG)
Classification of biological agents into RG1–RG4 based on pathogenicity, transmissibility, and availability of prevention or treatment.
Risk Group 1
Low risk; unlikely to cause disease in healthy humans.
Risk Group 2
Moderate risk; can cause human/animal disease but is unlikely to be a serious hazard; effective treatment is available.
Risk Group 3
High risk; usually causes serious disease; may not readily spread; effective treatment and preventive measures are available.
Risk Group 4
High risk; readily transmissible with life-threatening disease; no vaccines or treatments available.
Biological Agent Risk Group vs Biosafety Level
RG categorizes agents by hazard; BSL defines the containment level required to handle them safely; they are not the same.
Biosafety Level (BSL)
Containment conditions (practices, equipment, facilities) required to safely handle a biological agent.
BSL-1
Basic containment for well-characterized, low-risk organisms; open bench work with standard practices.
BSL-2
Moderate hazards; restricted access; work with potential infectious agents requires BSC for procedures that create splashes/aerosols.
BSL-3
Indigenous or exotic agents with respiratory transmission; requires directed airflow, enhanced containment, and often separate facility zones.
BSL-4
Maximum containment for dangerous exotic agents with high mortality and no vaccines or therapy; Class III BSC or full-body positive-pressure suit; separate building.
Primary barriers
Barriers in direct contact with the agent (e.g., PPE, biosafety cabinets) that provide initial containment.
Secondary barriers
Facility design features (e.g., controlled airflow, separate rooms, autoclave) that provide additional containment.
Containment
Measures and facilities that prevent release of agents and protect people and the environment.
Biosafety
Containment principles and practices to prevent unintentional exposure to pathogens and toxins.
Biosecurity
Protection, control, and accountability to prevent loss, theft, or misuse of biological materials.
Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)
A primary containment device used for handling infectious materials to protect personnel and the environment.
Autoclave
Equipment that sterilizes by using high-pressure steam to kill pathogens in waste and materials.
BSC classes (Class II/III)
Class II cabinets provide containment while allowing airflow; Class III are full-body, gas-tight cabinets for high-risk work.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)
Systematic process to identify hazards and assess risk to select appropriate safeguards.
Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
Standards for recording data clearly, legibly, and traceably; includes ink permanence and correction procedures.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
Quality system ensuring data quality and reliability in laboratory work and studies.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Documented, step-by-step instructions for performing a task to ensure consistency.
Waste segregation
Sorting waste at the source into categories (sharps, liquids, solids) for safe disposal.
Sharps waste
Needle-like or sharp items stored in puncture-resistant containers and disposed of per regulations.
Liquid waste
Liquid biosafety waste typically disinfected (e.g., with bleach) before disposal.
Solid waste (infectious)
Solid infectious waste that may require autoclaving before disposal by licensed waste collectors.
Biohazard symbol
Warning symbol displayed on doors/containers when infectious agents are present.
Waste disposal methods
Disposal by licensed waste collectors; autoclave or chemical disinfection as required.
3Ps (Protect User, Protect Sample, Protect Environment)
Safety principles emphasizing protection of personnel, samples, and the surrounding environment during handling.
Isolation and airlock concepts
Design features (anodoor/airlock, directional airflow) to minimize cross-contamination in high-containment labs.
Hygiene and PPE in BSL-2/3/4
Personal protective equipment (lab coats, gloves, eye/face protection) and hygiene practices required for higher containment levels.
Biohazard sample management
Systematic handling of samples from receipt through storage, testing, and disposal with proper GDP/GLP.