18 Questions
What is the first question that risk assessments generally begin with?
Is the biological material capable of causing human disease or environmental harm?
In the context of infectious agents, what is used to group them categorically?
Their pathogenicity and virulence in humans
What is a critical aspect when determining the level of containment for working with biological materials?
The likelihood of accidental exposure or release of infectious agents
Who should collaborate to establish the best safety practices for working with biological materials?
Principal Investigator (PI) and Biosafety Officer (BSO)
In terms of risk assessment, what should you consider if you're unsure about working with a biological material?
Contact the Biosafety Office for guidance
What could impact human, animal, or plant health and/or the environment if accidentally released?
Recombinant materials
What is the primary purpose of following prescribed laboratory security procedures per institutional policy?
To restrict access to the laboratory
Why is it important to secure storage equipment in common areas and placard with content owners name and contact information?
To identify the owner of the stored equipment in case of an emergency
What is the primary purpose of decontamination in the context of biohazardous waste management?
To ensure the decontamination is routine and effective based on the risk assessment and prudent practices
What is the primary purpose of Biosafety Levels (BSLs)?
To prescribe procedures and levels of containment for the particular microorganism or material
Which of the following is NOT a factor considered in Biosafety Levels (BSLs)?
Securing storage equipment in common areas
What is the primary reason for the majority of work at UTK involving Biosafety Level 1 & 2 practices?
The relative risk of the agent/procedures is lower at these BSL levels
What does the term 'biosafety' primarily refer to?
Protecting workers, the community, and the environment from accidental exposure
Which term is used to describe the safeguarding of biological agents against theft and unauthorized use?
Bioexclusion
What is a key aspect of ensuring biosafety in biological laboratories?
Preventing aerosolization of pathogens above natural concentrations
Why is it essential to conduct risk assessments in biological laboratories?
To safeguard against laboratory-acquired infections and related risks
Which process ensures that biological agents are safeguarded against theft and unauthorized use?
Biosecurity
What may result from laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) according to the text?
Damaging publicity and morbidity/mortality risks
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.
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.
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