biologicalhazard (1)

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Definition of Biological Hazards

• Biological hazards, or biohazards, are biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, particularly humans.

• They can be found in various environments such as home, school, or work.

• The biohazard symbol was created in 1966 by Charles Baldwin, an environmental health engineer.

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What is a Biohazard?

• A biological material that can cause disease in humans or animals including:

  • Virus

  • Bacteria

  • Fungi

  • Parasites

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Types of Biological Hazards

• Bacteria:

  • Microscopic organisms with no distinct nucleus.

  • Examples: E. Coli, TB, Tetanus.

• Viruses:

  • Pathogens made primarily of nucleic acids and dependent on hosts for replication.

  • Examples: Common Cold, Influenza, Measles, SARS, Hantavirus, Rabies.

• Fungi:

  • Lower plants lacking chlorophyll that decompose organic material.

  • Examples: Mould, Rust, Mildew, Smut, Yeast, and Mushrooms.

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Contamination Sources

• Biological Hazards Include:

  • Blood

  • Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) such as:

    • Human body fluids

    • Unfixed human tissue or organs

    • Cultures and culture mediums

    • Infected animal blood, tissues, or organs

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Sources of Contamination in Microbiology

• Culture Media Used in Microbiology

• Blood Spillage

• Blood and Body Fluid Exposure

• Improper Waste Disposal

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Entry Points of Biological Hazards into the Body

• Biological hazards can enter the body through:

  • Inhalation: Breathing in harmful biological materials.

  • Absorption: Direct contact via broken skin or mucous membranes.

  • Ingestion: Swallowing contaminated substances.

  • Injection: Through punctures in the skin.

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How Biological Hazards Spread

• Examples:

  • Bacteria & Pink Eye: Human to Human; do not share eye makeup, wash hands.

  • Virus Hepatitis A: Human to Human; avoid contaminated food/water, direct contact.

  • Virus Hepatitis B & C: Human to Human; avoid contact with infected individuals.

  • Virus Measles: Human to Human; Spread through cough/nasal droplets; immunization required.

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CDC Biosafety Levels

• BSL-4: High risk from dangerous pathogens (Ebola, Smallpox).

• BSL-3: Serious pathogens requiring health measures (HIV, Tuberculosis, SARS).

• BSL-2: Moderate hazards (Hepatitis A, B, C, Influenza).

• BSL-1: Low risk with minimal hazards (non-infectious strains of E. Coli).

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Immediate Actions on Exposure to Biohazards

• Report any specific exposure incident.

• Immediate Actions Include:

  • Wash the exposed area with soap and water.

  • Flush splashes to eyes/nose/mouth with water.

  • Irrigate eyes with saline.

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Follow-up Actions on Exposure

• Report exposure immediately to medical personnel.

• Conduct a confidential medical evaluation, considering the source and exposure routes.

• Blood tests for HBV and HIV status may be warranted.

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Occupations and Related Diseases

• Potential Exposure Sources:

  • Patient's blood and body fluids

  • Undercooked food

  • Used needles and broken glass

• Related Diseases:

  • (Hepatitis, Cold, Flu), (Salmonella, E. Coli), (hepatitis B,C, HIV)

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Biological Risk Assessment

• Process includes:

  1. Identifying Hazards: Look for potential hazards at work.

  2. Evaluating Risks: Estimate severity and probability of risk.

  3. Deciding Preventive Actions: Identify measures to control risks.

  4. Taking Action: Implement preventive actions and monitor.

  5. Monitoring and Reviewing: Continuously assess workplace safety.

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Controlling Exposure

• Approaches to Control Hazards:

  • Engineering Controls: First line of defense.

  • Administrative Controls: Steps such as training and guidelines.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Last resort when other controls fail.

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Methods of Controlling Hazards

• Ranked from Most to Least Effective:

  1. Elimination

  2. Substitution

  3. Engineering Controls

  4. Work Practice Controls

  5. Administrative Controls

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Engineering Controls

• Built-in protective measures include:

  • Ventilation systems to create controlled environments.

  • Biosafety hoods.

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Administrative Controls

• Minimize risk through procedure adjustments:

  • Regular worker training.

  • Mandated handwashing rules.

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Prevention from Biohazards

• Standard Precautions:

  • Treat all bodily fluids as contaminated.

  • Ensure proper cleaning and decontamination.

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Hand Hygiene

• Hand washing is the single most effective method to prevent infection spread.

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Waste Management

• Prevention Strategies Include:

  • Proper waste segregation at the source.

  • Treatment and disposal management of biohazardous waste.

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Signage and Warning Labels

• Effective display of biological hazards:

  • Use clear labels on hazardous areas.

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Training and Education on Biohazards

• Key recommendations include:

  • Conduct hazard assessments.

  • Identify and provide appropriate PPE.

  • Maintain and replace PPE as needed.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Critical when hazards cannot be eliminated:

  • Must fit properly and be comfortable.

  • Training required for optimal use.

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Types of PPE

• Essential gear includes:

  • Gloves

  • Masks

  • Aprons

  • Gowns

  • Face shields

  • Safety glasses

  • Shoe covers