Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the first question that risk assessments generally begin with?
What is the first question that risk assessments generally begin with?
In the context of infectious agents, what is used to group them categorically?
In the context of infectious agents, what is used to group them categorically?
What is a critical aspect when determining the level of containment for working with biological materials?
What is a critical aspect when determining the level of containment for working with biological materials?
Who should collaborate to establish the best safety practices for working with biological materials?
Who should collaborate to establish the best safety practices for working with biological materials?
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In terms of risk assessment, what should you consider if you're unsure about working with a biological material?
In terms of risk assessment, what should you consider if you're unsure about working with a biological material?
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What could impact human, animal, or plant health and/or the environment if accidentally released?
What could impact human, animal, or plant health and/or the environment if accidentally released?
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What is the primary purpose of following prescribed laboratory security procedures per institutional policy?
What is the primary purpose of following prescribed laboratory security procedures per institutional policy?
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Why is it important to secure storage equipment in common areas and placard with content owners name and contact information?
Why is it important to secure storage equipment in common areas and placard with content owners name and contact information?
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What is the primary purpose of decontamination in the context of biohazardous waste management?
What is the primary purpose of decontamination in the context of biohazardous waste management?
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What is the primary purpose of Biosafety Levels (BSLs)?
What is the primary purpose of Biosafety Levels (BSLs)?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor considered in Biosafety Levels (BSLs)?
Which of the following is NOT a factor considered in Biosafety Levels (BSLs)?
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What is the primary reason for the majority of work at UTK involving Biosafety Level 1 & 2 practices?
What is the primary reason for the majority of work at UTK involving Biosafety Level 1 & 2 practices?
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What does the term 'biosafety' primarily refer to?
What does the term 'biosafety' primarily refer to?
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Which term is used to describe the safeguarding of biological agents against theft and unauthorized use?
Which term is used to describe the safeguarding of biological agents against theft and unauthorized use?
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What is a key aspect of ensuring biosafety in biological laboratories?
What is a key aspect of ensuring biosafety in biological laboratories?
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Why is it essential to conduct risk assessments in biological laboratories?
Why is it essential to conduct risk assessments in biological laboratories?
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Which process ensures that biological agents are safeguarded against theft and unauthorized use?
Which process ensures that biological agents are safeguarded against theft and unauthorized use?
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What may result from laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) according to the text?
What may result from laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) according to the text?
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Study Notes
Laboratory Safety and Biosafety
- Controlling hazards in the laboratory also protects people not directly associated with the lab, including other building occupants, infrequent visitors, and the public.
Risk Assessments and Biosafety Offices
- Risk assessments begin by considering if biological materials can cause human disease or environmental harm.
- If so, the PI works with the Biosafety Office to determine the best safety practices and level of containment to reduce the risk of accidental exposure or release of infectious agents.
Risk Groups and Classification
- Infectious agents are grouped according to their intrinsic biological properties, particularly their pathogenicity and virulence in humans.
- Recombinant materials are categorized based on their potential impact on human, animal, or plant health and the environment.
Laboratory Practices and Procedures
- Biohazardous waste segregation and disposal must follow Biosafety Office guidelines.
- Decontamination must be routine and effective based on risk assessment and prudent practices.
- Emergency response procedures (spills, personal exposures, injuries, etc.) must be communicated and followed.
Biosafety Levels and Containment
- Biosafety Levels (BSL) prescribe procedures and levels of containment for specific microorganisms or materials.
- BSLs consider primary barriers (e.g., biosafety cabinets), secondary barriers, facility design, air handling, laboratory security, etc.
- BSLs are graded from 1 to 4, with increasing risk of the agent/procedures and stringency of procedures and facility design.
Biosafety and Biosecurity
- Biosafety refers to the use of specific practices, safety equipment, and building design to protect workers, the community, and the environment from accidental exposure or release of infectious agents, toxins, and biological hazards.
- Biosecurity is the process of ensuring biological agents are properly safeguarded against theft, loss, diversion, unauthorized access, or use/release.
Principles of Biosafety
- Biohazard awareness and risk assessment are essential in biological laboratories, which can pose infectious disease or toxin exposure risks to workers and visitors.
- Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) have been reported since the 1920s, with many others likely occurring, and can result in morbidity, mortality, and financial losses.
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Description
Test your knowledge on biosafety and biosecurity measures used to protect against accidental exposure or release of biological hazards, as well as safeguarding biological agents from theft or unauthorized access.
