Biosafety BT (401): Introduction to Practices

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Questions and Answers

What items should be ensured before entering a laboratory?

Adequate supplies of laboratory equipment, consumables, PPE, and disinfectants.

What is the primary purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

To protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.

Why is proper storage of supplies important in a laboratory setting?

To reduce accidents and incidents such as spills, trips, and falls.

What does keeping the work area tidy and clean prevent?

It prevents accidents and improves efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

List two components of biosafety practices mentioned.

Biosafety procedures and guidelines. Signup and view all the answers

What type of containers should specimens and cultures be discarded in?

Leak-proof containers with tops appropriately secured. Signup and view all the answers

When using disinfectants, what must be ensured regarding their activity?

They must be active against the agents being handled. Signup and view all the answers

What does maximum containment measures aim to provide during laboratory work?

An extremely high level of protection. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of personnel before entering a maximum containment measures laboratory?

A complete change of clothing and shoes. Signup and view all the answers

What training must personnel receive before working in a maximum containment laboratory?

Training in emergency extraction procedures. Signup and view all the answers

Is working alone permitted in a maximum containment measures laboratory?

No, working alone is not permitted. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered essential for disinfectants when used on waste materials?

They must be in contact for the appropriate time. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with specimens and cultures before disposal?

They should be secured in dedicated waste containers. Signup and view all the answers

What communication method is essential between laboratory personnel and support staff in a biosafety context?

A method of communication for routine and emergency contacts must be established. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to visually monitor and record the activities of personnel in a biosafety laboratory?

To ensure compliance with safety practices and for accountability. Signup and view all the answers

List two key stages in the assignment process related to biosafety management.

Stage 1 is Source of Information, and Stage 2 is Report writing. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key element that should be included on the cover page of a biosafety report?

The title of the report should be included on the cover page. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of identifying the biological agent in a biosafety assignment?

Identifying the biological agent is crucial for assessing risk and determining containment measures. Signup and view all the answers

How does categorizing a biological agent into a risk group help in biosafety practices?

It helps in determining the appropriate biosafety level lab required for handling the agent. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the considerations for safe treatment and disposal in biosafety?

Methods for safe containment and disposal of biological waste must be outlined. Signup and view all the answers

Why is citation important in a biosafety report?

Citation is important to give credit to original sources and avoid plagiarism. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the first edition of the WHO Laboratory biosafety manual published in 1983?

To encourage countries to implement basic concepts in biological safety and develop national codes of practice for safe handling of biological agents. Signup and view all the answers

When were the second and third editions of the WHO Laboratory biosafety manual published?

The second edition was published in 1993 and the third edition in 2004. Signup and view all the answers

In what context is biosafety defined in the provided content?

As practices and procedures associated with the use of biotechnological tools. Signup and view all the answers

How does WHO provide support to countries regarding biosafety?

By providing international leadership, addressing emerging issues, and offering guidance on best practices. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the WHO Laboratory biosafety manual have on national biosafety protocols?

It encouraged the development of national codes of practice for safe handling of biological materials. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for countries to implement the recommendations of the WHO Laboratory biosafety manual?

To ensure the safe use of biological agents and protect public health. Signup and view all the answers

What major themes are emphasized in the evolution of the WHO Laboratory biosafety manual through its editions?

Emerging issues, technologies, and challenges in biosafety practices. Signup and view all the answers

What role do biosafety practices and procedures play in the context of biotechnology?

They are essential for ensuring the safe handling and use of biotechnological tools. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the WHO Laboratory biosafety manual (LBM4)?

The primary focus is on a risk- and evidence-based assessment of risks associated with biological agents. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'safety culture' in the context of biosafety?

'Safety culture' refers to the incorporation of Good Microbiological Practice and risk assessment to ensure biosafety. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key components of Good Microbiological Practice and Procedure (GMPP)?

The key components include general behaviors and aseptic techniques applicable to laboratory activities with biological agents. Signup and view all the answers

How does GMPP serve to protect laboratory personnel and the community?

GMPP helps prevent infection and contamination, safeguarding both laboratory personnel and the surrounding community. Signup and view all the answers

Define best practices in the context of biosafety.

Best practices are behaviors essential for facilitating a safe work environment and controlling biological risks. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a prescriptive approach to biosafety considered less effective?

A prescriptive approach does not account for the varying risks associated with different biological agents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of risk assessment in laboratory biosafety practices?

Risk assessment plays a vital role by identifying potential hazards and determining appropriate safety measures. Signup and view all the answers

How does adhering to GMPP affect environmental protection in laboratories?

Adhering to GMPP minimizes contamination of the environment by ensuring safe handling of biological materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of biosafety procedures in a laboratory setting?

To control risks and minimize cross-contamination. Signup and view all the answers

List two concerns related to biosafety procedures.

Avoiding inhalation and avoiding contact with skin and eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does correct execution of biosafety technical procedures have?

It minimizes cross-contamination and prevents exposure to biological agents. Signup and view all the answers

How should pipetting techniques be conducted to maintain biosafety?

Pipetting should be done slowly and with care to prevent aerosol formation. Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to prevent the dispersal of biological agents when using a centrifuge?

Briefly centrifuge mixed tubes before opening them. Signup and view all the answers

What type of contamination are biosafety practices designed to prevent?

Cross-contamination of biological samples. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid vigorous mixing of specimens?

It can lead to the formation of aerosols and droplets. Signup and view all the answers

What are two examples of good biosafety practices during specimen manipulation?

Avoid over-vigorous mixing and expelling substances from pipette tips. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biosafety BT (401)

Course name: Biosafety BT (401)
Course instructor: Dr. Mohamed Hodhod
Introduction to Biosafety and Risk Assessment: Biosafety practices and procedures associated with the use of biotechnological tools
Points preview: Introduction, Biosafety practices, Biosafety procedures, Assignment (1) guideline
WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual: Fourth edition published in 2020, available at https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1323419/retrieve
First edition of the WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual in 1983, encouraged countries to adopt biological safety concepts
Second and third editions in 1993 and 2004, respectively, provided ongoing international leadership on biosafety, addressing emerging issues, technologies and challenges, providing guidance on best practice
Fourth edition adopts a risk- and evidence-based approach to safety measures, balanced with the actual risk of working with biological agents on a case-by-case basis
Focus in the manual places emphasis on the "safety culture" including Good Microbiological Practice and Procedure (GMPP) & risk assessment to ensure the biosafety of personnel, laboratory & the environment
GMPP: A laboratory code of practice applicable to all types of laboratory activities with biological agents, including general behaviors and aseptic techniques
Examples of Biosafety practices: Never store food or drinks, or personal items in the laboratory, eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics must only be performed outside the laboratory, never put materials (pens, pencils, gum) in the mouth inside the laboratory, wash hands thoroughly with warm running water and soap after handling biological material and or animals, before leaving or after contamination
Examples of Biosafety procedures: Open flames or heat sources should never be placed near flammable supplies, Never be left unattended, ensure cuts or broken skin are covered before entering the laboratory, adequate supplies of equipment and consumables, including reagents, PPE, and disinfectants suitable for the activities must be available before entering the laboratory, personal protective equipment (PPE) includes protective clothing, helmets, goggles
Examples of Biosafety procedures cont.: Ensure that supplies are stored securely and according to instructions, keep the work area tidy, clean and free of nonessential objects or materials, complete change of clothing and shoes before entering the laboratory
Examples of Biosafety procedures cont.: Personnel must be trained in emergency extraction procedures, working alone is not permitted, method of communication for routine & emergency contacts must be established between laboratory personnel
Examples of Biosafety procedures cont.: method for visually monitoring & recording the activities of personnel inside the lab, discard specimens & cultures in leak-proof containers with appropriately secured tops, dispose of sharps materials in secure containers

Assignment (1) Guideline

Stage 1: Source of information (articles, reviews, books)
Stage 2: Report writing
Stage 3: Citation
Cover page, formatting & page numbers, biological agent, risk group category, biosafety level lab, method of safe containment, safe treatment and disposal, use of figures, tables, charts to support the report, citations, plagiarism

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Description

This quiz focuses on the fundamental concepts of biosafety and risk assessment as outlined in the WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual. It covers biosafety practices and procedures essential for the safe use of biotechnological tools. Participants will explore guidelines and historical editions of the manual to understand evolving best practices.