Biorisk Management Quiz

Biorisk Management

• Biorisk Assessment is a systematic process to identify, evaluate, and control potential risks associated with biological agents.
• Steps for Biorisk Assessment:
  • Hazard Identification: Identify potential hazards related to biological agents, including the type, amount, and potential for exposure.
  • Risk Characterization: Determine the probability of an occurrence involving exposure to the biological agent and the severity of the consequences.
  • Risk Control Strategy: Develop a plan to reduce the probability and consequences of identified risks.
  • Risk Control Measures: Select and implement appropriate measures to achieve the risk control strategy.
  • Risk Evaluation and Acceptability: Evaluate the effectiveness of the risk control measures and ensure they are acceptable.
  • Periodic Review: Regularly review and evaluate the risk assessment process to ensure it remains effective and aligned with changes in laboratory practices, personnel, and technology.
  • Risk Communication: Engage in open communication with personnel about risks, control measures, and emergency procedures.

Biorisk Mitigation

• 5 Major Areas of Controls or Measures:
  • Elimination: Avoid working with specific biological agents altogether, the most effective, but difficult, control measure.
  • Substitution: Replace procedures or agents with safer alternatives to reduce risks.
  • Engineering Controls: Implement physical modifications in work stations, equipment, and facilities to minimize exposure to hazards.
    • Examples include: controlled access zones, airlocks, separate buildings, biosafety cabinets, respirators, and autoclaves.
  • Administrative Controls: Utilize policies, standards, and procedures to control risks.
    • Examples include: competency training, signage, visitor access control, SOP documentation.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with appropriate protective gear, such as eye protection, respirators, and gloves.

Security Updates

• Reduce the theft risk of valuable or dangerous biological or chemical materials.

Biorisk Performance Evaluation

• Ensures that a system is working effectively, risk is reduced, and the level of risk is acceptable.
• Managed through control of procedures, processes, structures, and responsibilities.
• Assured by regular audits and inspections.
• Improved by setting and achieving new goals based on internal and external feedback.

Laboratory Biorisk Management System

• Key components:
  • Biohazard identification
  • Biorisk assessment
  • Biorisk management
  • Biorisk communication

Biorisk Identification

• Identify the biological agent or toxin, including:
  • Type of agent.
  • Amount (volume, concentration).
  • Potential for exposure.