Biological Safety in Laboratories - University of Warwick

Biological Safety in Clinical and Research Laboratories Dr Ian Graham University Biosafety Adviser Contents Brief history of lab infections Legislative framework Classification of biological agents Steps to minimise risk: Control measures Microbiological safety cabinets Genetic modification...

Biological Safety in Clinical and Research Laboratories Dr Ian Graham University Biosafety Adviser Contents Brief history of lab infections Legislative framework Classification of biological agents Steps to minimise risk: Control measures Microbiological safety cabinets Genetic modification Sources of information Occupational Infection (19th C) Why is biosafety important? Why is biosafety important? “Medical laboratory workers continue to experience a considerable risk of developing an occupationally acquired infection. Improvements in staff safety and health care seem to be necessary” J M HARRINGTON, H S SHANNON British Medical Journal, 1976, 1, 759-762 Headline News The Legislative Framework  21st Century Containment Labs Control of aerosols Waste inactivation Negative pressure 21st Century Containment Labs Ability to fumigate Biosecurity What we need protecting from Bacteria Parasites Viruses Fungi Includes agents contaminating human, animal or plant material (especially blood) May cause disease in humans, animals or plants Genetically modified versions of any of Classification of biological agents Hazard Groups 1-4 Classified based on:- – Severity of disease – Risk to workers – Likelihood of community transmission – Availability of vaccines or effective treatments Wider genera Unlisted usually HG1 Classification of biological agents Hazard Containm Group ACDP definition ent Level (non-GM) 1 unlikely to cause human disease 1 can cause human disease 2 2 may be a hazard to employees unlikely to spread to the community usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available can cause severe human disease 3 3 may be a serious hazard to employees can spread to the community usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available causes severe human disease 4 4 a serious hazard to employees likely to spread to the community usually no effective prophylaxis or treatment available Hazard Groups Mycobacterium tuberculosis = HG3 E. coli K12 (lab strain) = HG1 Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) = HG3* Foot & Mouth disease virus = HG1/SAPO4 Influenza (H1N1)pdm09 = HG2 Ebola haemorrhagic fever virus = HG4  Features of Containment Labs Containment Level: 1 2 3 Ban on eating, drinking, applying    cosmetics, etc Wearing of lab coats COMPULSORY    Surfaces impervious and easy to clean Bench Bench Bench & Floor Negative air pressure    Restricted access    Observation window/CCTV    Dedicated equipment    Autoclave On site In building In suite Validated inactivation of GM organisms    Use of safety cabinet if aerosols    produced Sealable for fumigation    Written training records    Routes of Infection Inoculation (skin breaks or punctures) Inhalation (aerosols) Absorption (through skin and/or eyes) Ingestion (water-borne) Risks need to be managed accordingly Sharps The most likely way of getting a pathogen into your system Can also “just” cause injury Correct storage, use and disposal of sharps is vital – Needles – Razor blades – Scalpels – Glass (including Pasteur pipettes) Do not resheath needles Training for sharps at CL2 Managing aerosols Risk if agent is infectious by airborne route Also consider environmental protection Techniques that generate aerosols need to be managed (“minimised/prevented”) – Centrifugation – Sonication – Flow cytometry & cell sorting (FACS) – Vigorous pipetting action Control by the use of MSCs Class II MSC Operator protection Sample protection Can be used up to CL3 Most common mode of primary containment Best way of controlling infectious aerosols Correct set-up and use essential for effective operation This is just about OK … … but this may cause problems Other Classes of MSC Genetic Modification Introduction of foreign DNA into any organism by a method that doesn’t occur naturally GMO (Contained Use) Regulations require a risk assessment – Identify any hazards from hosts, vectors and inserted DNA – What could happen when you combine them? – What containment measures are needed to control the risk? – Assign the appropriate Containment Level and Class of Activity – Seek advice from a GM Safety Committee  Classification of biological agents Hazard Activity ACDP SACGM Containm Group Class definition definition ent Level (non-GM) (GM) 1 1 1 No or unlikely to cause human disease negligible risk can cause human disease & may 2 2 2 be a hazard to employees; unlikely Low to spread to the community & usually effective prophylaxis or risk treatment available can cause severe human disease & 3 3 3 may be a serious hazard to Moderate employees; can spread to the community, but usually effective risk prophylaxis or treatment available causes severe human disease & is 4 4 4 a serious hazard to employees; High likely to spread to the community & usually no effective prophylaxis risk or treatment available Waste disposal routes Incorrect disposal of waste can put people and the environment at risk Inactivation of biological agents is vital – Physical methods (e.g. autoclaving) – Chemical methods (e.g. disinfectants) Need evidence that your method is effective Workers need to know the correct disposal streams for any waste they generate Summary of safe working practices Do you know what the risk assessment says? Is the lab the correct Containment Level? Have you received training in the techniques and SOPs? Is the use of sharps minimised or justified? Are procedures in place to control aerosol production? What PPE is required, and are you using it? Do you know which waste disposal routes to use? Is the correct validated disinfectant available? Do you know how to react if things go wrong (e.g. spills)? Sources of information HSE Biosafety website – Approved list of biological agents – Management & operation of containment labs – SACGM Compendium of guidance – COSHH ACOP & Guidance – GMO Regulations & Guidance – SAPO Guidance University Biosafety webpages