An Introduction to Biological An Introduction to Biological SafetySafety

Dr. A. MantalarisBiological Safety Officer

(ACE 515, Email: a.mantalaris@ic.ac.uk, Tel: x45601)

BiosafetyBiosafety• Definition

“any micro-organism, cell culture or human endoparasite, including GM ones, which may cause any infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health

• Obligation– MoralMoral

– LegalLegal

“Imperial College London” Policy

• general heath and safety policy

• specific policy on GMOs

• specific policy on dangerous parasites”

Hazard GroupsHazard Groups

• Group 1

“A biological agent unlikely to cause human disease”

• Group 2

“A biological agent that can cause human disease and may be a hazard to employees; it is unlikely to spread to the community and there is usually effective prophylaxis or effective treatment available”– listeria

– streptococcus

– Influenza

Characterisation based on: a) is it pathogenic; b) is it a hazard to employees; c) is it transmissible; d) is prophylaxis or treatment available?

• Group 3

“A biological agent that can cause severe human disease and presents a serious hazard to employees; it may present a risk of spreading to the community, but there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available”– hepatitis

– HIV

• Group 4

“A biological agent that causes severe human disease and is a serious hazard to employees; it is likely to spread to the community and there is usually no effective prophylaxis or effective treatment available”– ebola

– Congo haemorrhagic fever

Safety RulesSafety Rules• Precautions

– consider what you work with

– consider what you do with these agents

– consider what these can do to you

• Approach– COSHH form (biological, GM)

– Workspace (suitability, design, labels)

– Biological agent (storage, handling, spillage, MDS)

– Waste (liquid disinfection, solid autoclaving)

– Personal protection

– Documentation

– Training

Good Laboratory PracticeGood Laboratory Practice

• Containment Level 1– Lab should be clean

– Effective disinfectants

– Lab is mechanically ventilated

– Minimisation of aerosol production

– Lab door should be closed when working (NOT locked)

– Lab coats

– Personal Protective Equipment

• readily available

• clean

• not defective

– No eating, chewing, drinking, smoking, etc

– Separate hand washing basin

– Waste material should be treated properly

– Accidents should be reported

• Containment Level 2– Access to Lab is restricted (signs)

– Specified disinfection procedures

– Lab is mechanically ventilated (air pressure negative to atmosphere)

– Benches must be impervious to water, easy to clean, resistant to acids, solvents, disinfectants

– Safe storage for biological agents

– Microbiological safety cabinet

– Access to incinerator for waste disposal

– Personal protective equipment

• stored in well-defined place

• checked and cleaned• repaired or replaced

– Adequate working space

– Lab doors closed but NOT locked

– Lab coats should worn and removed when leaving the Lab

– Eating, chewing, drinking, storing food, cosmetics NOT allowed

– Mouth pipetting is NOT allowed

– Regular decontamination of work space

– Lab should contain a wash basin (near the exit door)

– Decontamination of liquid waste

– Autoclaving of solid waste

– Safe collection, storage, and disposal of waste

– Suitable labelling

– All accidents and incidents should be reported

ASK FOR ADVICE AND HELP

Don'tsDon'ts

• Put gloves in general waste bin

• Walk around the department with lab coat and gloves on

• Leave spills

• Eat or drink in the lab

DO!!!DO!!!

• Ask for advice

• Do risk assessment

• THINK!!!