Safety standards within a laboratory should be designed in a way that eliminates risks due to using potentially dangerous practices or procedures and dangerous materials. All laboratories are potentially dangerous places, and it is the actions and attitudes of those working there that determine their safety and that of their colleagues and ultimately of the whole community. The manual identifies the biological agents that are in use within the laboratory. It also points out the exposure mechanisms of these biological agents. It includes the methods of evaluation and control of the biological agents. Finally, it highlights on the methods of sampling biological agents.
Purpose of the handbook
1. To outline the biological agents in use within …show more content…
They might spread to the community, but they there exist effective treatment measures. Examples include Hantavirus, HIV (cultures), and yellow fever.
Group 4
These cause severe human disease and pose a serious hazard to employees. They spread to the community, but they cannot be treated. Examples include Ebola, Rabies (D.Hank, 2009).
Basic exposure mechanisms for biological agents
The main risk linked with working with biological agents is that they are potentially infectious. There are three main exposure mechanisms of biological agents. The first exposure mechanism is inhalation that involves breathing in of vapor mist or aerosol that contain biological agents. The second exposure mechanism is ingestion that involves poor hygiene practices like drinking or eating in the lab area (D.Hank, 2009).The third exposure mechanism is through skin penetration that can be through an injury caused by a contaminated sharp object, entry through an open wound and contact with the mucous membrane of the nose, eyes or mouth.
Methods of evaluation and control of biological …show more content…
The other way of controlling biological agents is through personal protective equipment. PPE vary according to the hazard that is posed by a pathogen. For instance, respiratory protection is used when the biological agents are airborne. Another way of controlling biological agents is through decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization. The management of biological infectious waste can also be used to control biological agents. The procedures for safe disposal of sharp waste and medical waste should be applied in the laboratory. Improper disposal of contaminated waste can lead to secondary infections from the waste material. Biological safety cabinets should be used within the laboratory to control biological agents. Safety cabinets provide protection to the workers in the laboratory, the research specimen, and the entire community (Haight,
Purpose of the handbook
1. To outline the biological agents in use within …show more content…
They might spread to the community, but they there exist effective treatment measures. Examples include Hantavirus, HIV (cultures), and yellow fever.
Group 4
These cause severe human disease and pose a serious hazard to employees. They spread to the community, but they cannot be treated. Examples include Ebola, Rabies (D.Hank, 2009).
Basic exposure mechanisms for biological agents
The main risk linked with working with biological agents is that they are potentially infectious. There are three main exposure mechanisms of biological agents. The first exposure mechanism is inhalation that involves breathing in of vapor mist or aerosol that contain biological agents. The second exposure mechanism is ingestion that involves poor hygiene practices like drinking or eating in the lab area (D.Hank, 2009).The third exposure mechanism is through skin penetration that can be through an injury caused by a contaminated sharp object, entry through an open wound and contact with the mucous membrane of the nose, eyes or mouth.
Methods of evaluation and control of biological …show more content…
The other way of controlling biological agents is through personal protective equipment. PPE vary according to the hazard that is posed by a pathogen. For instance, respiratory protection is used when the biological agents are airborne. Another way of controlling biological agents is through decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization. The management of biological infectious waste can also be used to control biological agents. The procedures for safe disposal of sharp waste and medical waste should be applied in the laboratory. Improper disposal of contaminated waste can lead to secondary infections from the waste material. Biological safety cabinets should be used within the laboratory to control biological agents. Safety cabinets provide protection to the workers in the laboratory, the research specimen, and the entire community (Haight,