Bio-risk Management Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover essential topics in bio-risk management, including definitions, practices, equipment, and safety measures relevant to laboratory settings.

What is bio-risk management?

Policies, procedures, equipment, and practices used to identify, assess, control, and reduce risks associated with biological agents.

What are the main components of education, training, and competency verification in laboratories?

Laboratory personnel must understand biological hazards, know correct procedures, and can safely handle infectious materials, verified through regular training and competency checks.

What do Biosafety Levels (BSL) indicate?

They define the degree of containment required when working with biological agents.

Describe BSL-1.

Low risk organisms; basic lab practices are used.

What precautions are associated with BSL-2?

Moderate risk pathogens; use of PPE and biosafety cabinets.

What are the key features of BSL-3?

Serious or potentially lethal agents; requires controlled access and negative pressure.

What does BSL-4 signify?

Highly dangerous agents that require maximum containment.

What is involved in facility design and commissioning?

Laboratories must be designed to reduce exposure to hazards, and commissioning involves testing safety systems before use.

What is the purpose of biosafety cabinets?

To protect the worker, sample, and environment from infectious agents.

What are the roles of fume hoods in a laboratory?

They remove chemical and biological aerosols to minimize exposure.

List key laboratory practices essential for biosafety.

Good practices include hand washing, sterile techniques, personal hygiene, a clean workspace, and proper use of biosafety cabinets.

What types of personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended?

Lab coats, gloves, goggles, masks, and face shields to protect against biological agents.

What is decontamination?

The process of making materials safe to handle by eliminating biological hazards.

Differentiate between disinfection and sterilization.

Disinfection destroys most pathogens, while sterilization completely destroys all forms of life.

What methods are used for biological waste treatment?

Methods include autoclaves, dry heat incineration, alkaline hydrolysis, tissue digesters, and liquid waste effluent systems.