Biorisk Assessment in Laboratories

Questions and Answers

Why must laboratory coats be removed before leaving the laboratory?

They can protect against chemical exposure.

They are required to be worn outside the laboratory.

They may come into contact with infectious material. (correct)

They are at risk of being damaged in non-laboratory settings.

What is the appropriate method for disposing of contaminated sharp objects?

Burn them in an incinerator.

Collect in puncture-proof containers fitted with covers. (correct)

Wrap them in laboratory coats before disposal.

Place them in general waste bins.

What must be done to contaminated materials intended for reuse or recycling?

They must first be decontaminated and then washed. (correct)

They must be disposed of in general municipal waste.

They can be sent directly for recycling.

They can be stored without any additional treatment.

What is the recommended treatment for uncontaminated (non-infectious) material?

It can be reused or recycled or disposed of as municipal waste. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with glass objects before disposal?

They should be placed inside a firm cardboard container. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for contaminated material for disposal?

It must be decontaminated onsite or stored safely before further transport. Signup and view all the answers

What type of container is suitable for collecting contaminated sharps?

Puncture-proof containers fitted with covers. Signup and view all the answers

What should not be done with personal protective equipment (PPE) after use in the laboratory?

It can be taken home for personal use. Signup and view all the answers

In what state must contaminated materials be before they can be treated as uncontaminated?

They require chemical decontamination followed by washing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a biorisk assessment?

To determine the potential risk of laboratory-acquired infections. Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the risk assessment process involves identifying potential hazards associated with infectious agents?

Gather information Signup and view all the answers

What decontaminating agent is specified for inactivating hepatitis B virus and HIV?

10% household bleach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about risk control strategies is true?

They need to consider available resources and staff competencies. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to strong acids or bases before disposal?

Neutralize them without adding water. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common measure for surface decontamination?

Using a 5.25% hypochlorite solution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate amount of time for bleach to be in contact with a surface for effective decontamination?

20 minutes Signup and view all the answers

During which step of the risk assessment is information about regulatory compliance reviewed?

Select and implement risk control measures Signup and view all the answers

Which method should NOT be used for surface decontamination?

Direct application of concentrated acid Signup and view all the answers

What potential outcome does a biorisk assessment aim to mitigate?

Exposure to high-risk pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biorisk Assessment Overview

Biorisk assessment reviews laboratory practices, control measures, biosafety standards, and the properties of infectious agents.
Aims to prevent laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) and exposure to high-risk pathogens.
Evaluates potential risks to laboratory personnel and possible outcomes of exposure.
Provides strategies to mitigate identified risks, conducted by institutions periodically using standardized checklists.

Steps in Performing Risk Assessment

Gather information on hazards associated with infectious agents or materials.
Evaluate risks related to activities that may cause exposure to these agents.
Develop a risk control strategy that considers staff competencies and resource availability.
Select and implement measures that align with national and institutional regulations.
Review and continuously assess risks and control measures to ensure effectiveness.

Common Agents for Surface Decontamination

Effective decontamination agents include heat (250° C for 15 minutes), ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde (2%), 10% hydrogen peroxide, and 5.25% hypochlorite (10% bleach).
Household bleach can inactivate hepatitis B virus in 10 minutes and HIV in 2 minutes.
Bleach should remain in contact with surfaces for at least 20 minutes for effective decontamination.

Disposal of Contaminated Waste

Strong acids or bases must be neutralized prior to disposal; do not add water to concentrated acids.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) that may contact infectious material must be removed before exiting the laboratory and should not leave the facility.
Contaminated PPE must be properly disposed of, ensuring it does not leave the laboratory.

Treatment of Laboratory Waste

Uncontaminated (Non-infectious) Material: Can be reused, recycled, or disposed of as general waste.
Contaminated Sharps (e.g., needles, scalpels): Must be collected in puncture-proof containers and treated as infectious waste.
Contaminated Material for Reuse: Should be decontaminated before washing and treating as non-infectious.
Contaminated Material for Disposal: Requires decontamination on-site or safe storage before transportation for further decontamination and disposal.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential practices of biorisk assessment in laboratory environments. It covers the processes involved in evaluating laboratory practices, control measures, and biosafety standards to minimize risks associated with infectious agents. Understand how institutions conduct these assessments and the significance of mitigating laboratory-acquired infections.