30 Questions
What is the primary goal of risk assessment in biosafety implementation?
To make consistent decisions even with uncertainty and incomplete data
What are the two types of risk assessments conducted in the lab?
Agent-based and protocol-based
What is the second step in conducting a risk assessment?
Estimate the likelihood of the adverse effects
What is a critical factor involved in risk assessment?
Past experience
What is the final step in conducting a risk assessment?
Estimate the overall potential environmental impact
What is the purpose of identifying risks outside the lab?
To determine the risk to the community
What is the primary goal of a biological risk assessment?
To determine the relative level of risk and guide mitigation decisions
What is the purpose of biosafety risk assessment?
To consider every aspect of operations that involves infectious disease agents or toxins
What is the outcome of a biological risk assessment?
A determination of the relative level of risk and guidance on mitigation decisions
What is the difference between biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments?
Biosafety focuses on infectious disease agents, while biosecurity focuses on institution assets and vulnerabilities
What is the purpose of estimating the likelihood of exposure to an agent?
To estimate the risk of harm from an infection
What is the final step in the risk assessment process?
Asking the question 'Is the risk acceptable?'
What is the purpose of BioRAM?
To facilitate laboratory biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments
What is the outcome of risk evaluation in an institution?
It drives investment decisions in the institution
What is a factor that influences risk evaluation and acceptance?
Culture and experience
What is the name of the iPhone app for risk assessment?
iSafe
What is the process of determining whether a risk is high or low, and whether it’s acceptable or not?
Risk evaluation
What is the relationship between an institution's risk tolerance and its resource allocation?
Risk-averse institutions spend more resources to reduce risks
What type of Mycobacterium tuberculosis does the lab worker discover in the culture?
Extremely Drug Resistant (XDR)
Why does the local animal rights group want to steal the XDR culture?
To generate publicity and get attention
How can the risk of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis be lowered in a laboratory?
By using personal protective equipment
What would be the effect of implementing strict physical security measures in the laboratory?
It would decrease the likelihood of a security breach
How can the consequences of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis be lowered?
By administering a vaccine
What is the goal of biosafety and biosecurity measures?
To lower the likelihood and consequences of exposure to infectious agents
What is the primary goal of estimating the likelihood of adverse effects in a laboratory setting?
To identify possible pathways for a hazard to lead to adverse effects
What is the purpose of considering modifying factors in estimating the likelihood of adverse effects?
To evaluate the persistence of the agent in the environment
What is the definition of a 'Marginal' consequence in a laboratory setting?
Minimal adverse health effects
What is the score given to a hazard that is expected to occur in most circumstances?
4
What is the purpose of Step 2 in the risk assessment process?
To identify possible pathways and the likelihood of a hazard leading to adverse effects
What is the relationship between Step 2 and Step 3 in the risk assessment process?
Step 2 estimates the likelihood, and Step 3 evaluates the consequence
Study Notes
Risk Assessment
- Based on scientific facts, risk assessment allows for consistent decision-making despite uncertainty and incomplete data.
- Factors involved in risk assessment: past experience, receiving environment, socio-economics, cultural, religious, national policies, and public perception.
- Risk assessment can be subjective in nature.
Conducting a Risk Assessment
- Identify potential adverse effects on human and animal health and/or the environment.
- Estimate the likelihood of these adverse effects being realized.
- Evaluate the consequences should the identified effects be realized (the risk).
- Consider appropriate risk-management strategies.
- Estimate the overall potential environmental impact.
Step 1: Identify Risks
- Identify biological agents and factors that can modify the risk.
- Identify main routes of transmission and how to modify the risk.
- Consider risks outside the lab, including risks to the community and biosecurity threats.
Step 2: Estimate the Likelihood of Adverse Effects
- Identifies possible pathways and likelihood of a hazard leading to adverse effects.
- Takes into consideration agent characteristics, handling and use procedures, and modifying factors.
Step 3: Estimate the Consequences
- Evaluates the magnitude of the consequences of the possible adverse effects.
- Consequences vary on a case-by-case basis, depending on the agent and activity involved.
Levels of Likelihood and Consequences
- Likelihood levels: Highly Unlikely, Unlikely, Likely, Highly Likely.
- Consequence levels: Minimal, Marginal, Moderate, High, Very High.
Risk Mitigation
- Risk can be modified by mitigation measures such as personal protective equipment, vaccines, physical barriers, and availability of therapeutics.
- Mitigation measures can lower the likelihood and consequences of risk.
Biorisk Management
- Biorisk management involves assessment, mitigation, and performance.
- Risk assessment is an analytical procedure to characterize biological risks in a facility or operation.
- Biological risk assessments can be classified into biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments.
Biological Risk Assessment Tools
- BioRAM: a computerized risk assessment tool for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments.
- iSafe: an iPhone app for risk assessment.
Risk Evaluation
- Risk evaluation determines whether a risk is high or low and whether it's acceptable or not.
- What is considered "acceptable" risk can vary with culture, experience, resources, management, and current events.
- Risk evaluation drives investment decisions in an institution.
This quiz covers the fundamentals of risk assessment in biorisk management, including identifying hazards, estimating likelihood and consequences of exposure, and determining acceptable risk. Learn about the AMP model and its components: Assessment, Mitigation, and Performance. Test your knowledge of biorisk management and risk assessment principles.
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