Module T2

General Laboratory
Safety
General Laboratory Safety
• Guidelines
Appropriate safety precautions before beginning any new
or modified procedures for potential physical, chemical
and biological hazards
• Emergency procedures, alarms and evacuation routes.
Know the location of emergency phone, emergency
eyewash, safety showers and fire extinguishers and its
proper operating procedures
• Do not smoke, apply make-­‐up, consume food or
beverages in laboratories. Never store food or drink in
laboratory refrigerators.
• Know the types of and the use of personal protective
equipment available for your laboratory operation.
General Laboratory Safety
Guidelines
• Wear protective clothing and gloves that are not
permeable to the chemicals being used.
• Proper eye protector must be worn in laboratories when
handling with hazardous chemicals, dangerous machinery,
laser equipment or biological agents.
• Long hair and loose clothing should be concined when in
the laboratory. Shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals or
open toe shoes must not be worn in the laboratory.
• All containers of chemicals should be correctly and clearly
labelled. The label should provide hazard and safety
information about the chemicals to other laboratory users.
General Laboratory Safety
Guidelines
• All chemical wastes should be disposed of appropriately to
the corresponding waste containers, log sheet should also be
filled in properly.
• Equipment should only be used for its designed purpose and
should not operate any equipment that you are not familiar
with.
• Mouth pipette of chemicals must not be allowed. A pipette
bulb or aspirator for pipetting chemicals should be used.
• Exposure to gases, vapors and aerosols should be minimized.
Appropriate safety equipment in conjunction with fume
cupboard should be used whenever such exposure is
expected.
General
Laboratory Safety
Guidelines
• Hands and forearms should
be washed thoroughly
with soap and water
before leaving the
laboratory area.
• Be alert to unsafe conditions
and actions, and report
them to the laboratory
supervisor or principle
investigator.
Laboratory originated Hazards
Health effects from –
▪ Biological agents
⮚ Contamination of environment and
community
▪ Hazardous or radioactive chemicals
⮚ Spread into the surrounding
environment and
community
▪ Laboratory equipment hazard
Risk Assessment
Risk should be assessed on
▪ Specimens or agents under study
▪ Occupational injuries
⮚ Physical and Chemical
⮚ Heat, radiation, electrical
▪ Occupational illness
⮚ Long term exposure to carcinogen and
teratogens
Risk Assessment
Agent hazards
– Infectivity
– Virulence
– Preventive measures and treatment
– Routes of transmission of lab infection
– Infective dose
– Stability in environment
– Host range
– Endemic nature

▪ Asymptomatic Infection

▪ Hypersensitivity
Five Step Approach to
Risk Assessment
▪ Identify agent hazards and perform initial
assessment of risk
▪ Identify laboratory procedure hazards
▪ Determine appropriate BSL and select additional
precautions per RA
▪ Evaluate staff proficiency and equipment integrity
▪ Review RA with biosafety officer, subject matter
expert, and organization (icddr,b) Biosafety
Committee (OBC)
PSDS & MSDS
•Pathogen Safety Data Sheets (PSDS)
www.phac-­‐aspc.gc.ca/lab-­‐bio/res/psds-­‐
ftss/ index-­‐eng.php

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

www.sciencelab.com/msdsList.php
Personal Practices
Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm,
and smoking are prohibited.

Personal electronic devices (e.g. cell phones,

beepers) or other personal items should not be
handled at the work station.

Handling contact lenses is prohibited.

No open toe shoes permitted in laboratory.

Rational
Common route of exposure are-­‐
❖ Ingestion
❖ Inhalation
❖ Percutaneous inoculation
❖ Contact between mucous membranes and
contaminated materials
Hazards in Biomedical Laboratories
Biohazardous materials are
handled in laboratories

Toxic chemicals are frequently used for

diagnostic and research purpose
Corrosive chemicals (acid and base) are
required for research and in
biomedical laboratories

Radioactive elements are used for research

purpose
Hazards in Biomedical Laboratories
Needle prick and Injuries with broken
glasses
Spill and sprays of corrosive chemical
substances
Spill and sprays of toxic chemical
substances
Spill and sprays of biohazardous substances
Gas cylinder is a source of hazard
Hazards in Biomedical Laboratories
Exposure to heat

Exposure to UV

Frost bite due to sudden exposure to

cold

Hand crush during use of instrument

Risk of electrical injury

Hazards in Biomedical Laboratories
Exposure to non-­‐ionizing
radiation

Exposure to LASER

Exposure to sound noise

Exposure to oxidizing agent

Spill of flammable chemicals

Hazard Assessment and Signage
Hazard Assessment and Signage
Food Storage

!!!
Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC)

Classification Biosafety Level Application

low to m ode r r isk

Class I 1, 2 ,3
a t e biological agents
low to m ode r r isk
Class II 1, 2 ,3
a t e biological agents

Class III 3, 4 high risk biological agents

BSC placement
❖ Cabinet 1 is quite appropriately located
with respect to avoidance of excessive air
movements from surrounding areas.
❖ Cabinet 2 is too close to the doorway and
its airflow could be influenced by the air
inlet too.
❖ The airflow of cabinet 3 could also be
influenced by the air inlet.
❖ Cabinet 4 is too close to the doorway.
❖ Cabinet 5 is suitably located provided
that the adjacent return air grille does not
influence cabinet airflow.
Personal Protective Equipment
Dress code for the laboratory
personnel-­

Laboratory coats should be worn at all

times in the laboratory when
chemical or infectious hazard is
present.

Loose or torn clothes should be avoided

due to the potential for ignitability,
absorption and entanglement in
machinery.
Personal Protective Equipment
Use disposable gloves when handling
infectious or potentially infectious
materials and never reuse disposable
gloves; frequently change gloves due to
formation of micro-­‐pores

Shoes must be worn at all times in the

laboratory. Sandals, open-­‐toed shoes
and perforated shoes should not be
worn because of the danger of spillage
of corrosive or irritating chemicals
Personal Protective Equipment

Wear protective safety glasses when

processing specimens.

Any procedure or process that cannot be

conducted in a BSC may have to be
performed while wearing gloves, gown,
eye protection, and respiratory protection.
Personal Protective Equipment

Proper respiratory protection is required in

work areas where it is not practicable to
reduce exposures to airborne contaminants to
acceptable levels through the use of
engineering controls or work practices.
Any procedure or process that cannot be
conducted in a may have to be performed
while wearing gloves, gown, eye protection,
and respiratory protection.
Emergency Preparedness
Eye wash: In the event of a splash in the
eye, the eye, with the eyelids widely
open, should be washed immediately
with copious amounts of water for at
least 15 minutes.

Shower: If a spill on the body,

immediately flush the body with
generous quantity of water for at least
15 minutes.

The casualty must seek medical

attention immediately.
First Aid
It is recommended that first aid kits be
present in each laboratory and work area.
Initial assessment of an accident or
Sudden Illness-­‐
❖Assess safety of scene for yourself and the
casualty. If required, remove danger or
remove casualty from danger.

❖ Assess cause of accident.

❖Provide any necessary first aid within your
capabilities.
First Aid
First Aid situations
❖ Chemical Contact with Skin and Burns on Skin;
❖ Chemical Contact with Eyes;
❖ Clothing Fires;
❖ Asphyxiation;
❖ Cuts and Animal Bites;
❖ Critical Injuries and Fatality; etc.
Laboratory First Aid Kit
Keep a contents list inside your kit
❖ Adhesive Bandages
❖ Eyewash with Eye Pads
❖ Strips Forceps and Scissors
❖ Instant Cold Pack
❖ Burn Dressing
❖ Bandage
❖ Adhesive Tapes
❖ Sterile Gauze
❖ Burn Jel
Laboratory First Aid Kit

Inspected against the list:

❖ Every 12 months,

❖ When the kit has been used, or

❖ When an item in the kit has reached its
expiry date.
Fire extinguisher

All staff must be familiar with the use

and locations of fire extinguishers.

If working with biohazardous

materials when the fire alarm rings,
cap or cover all media, cells, etc., leave
the laboratory closing the door behind
you and follow the fire evacuation
procedure.
Fire extinguisher
Selection of Fire Extinguishers
The classes of fire are:
American European/Asian Fuel/Heat source
Class A Class A Ordinary Combustibles
Class B Class B Flammable and combustible
liquids
Class C Flammable gases
Class C Class E Electrically energized equipment
Class D Class D Combustible metals
Class K Class F Cooking oils and fats
Fire extinguisher
Easy and safe practices for handling fire extinguishers:

❖ Ensure passage to extinguisher is not blocked

❖ Label their position for easy location with a clear sign

❖ Maintain each extinguisher monthly
oEnsure pressure is adequate
oEnsure parts and pin are intact
oCheck for dents, leaks, rust or other signs of abuse/wear
oWipe off any residues that have spilled or splashed onto the
surface
oIf damaged, replace
oRecharge extinguisher immediately after use
Fire extinguisher
“Remember the PASS word!!”

Pull (the pin)

Aim (low at the base of the

fire)

Squeeze (the lever)

Sweep (from side to side)

Occupational Exposure to
Chemical and
Biological
Hazard
Exposure to Chemical and
Biological Hazard
• Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Science
Laboratories
• Exposure to Communicable Diseases
• Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens
Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories
• Flammable Chemicals
• Reactive Chemicals
• Corrosive Chemicals
• Toxic Chemicals
• Explosive Chemicals
• Others
Exposure Control Measures
• All chemicals and unknown substances will be handled as if
hazardous.
• All elements of a Chemical Hygiene Plan should be met
including-­‐
– SOP for handling hazardous chemicals such as the use of
personal protective equipment and hygiene practices,
– control measures to reduce employee exposure to
hazardous chemicals,
– standards for laboratory protective equipment,
identification of laboratory procedures and activities
requiring prior approval, proper employee training,
Exposure Control Measures
• Labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not
removed or defaced, all material safety data sheets received
with incoming shipments are maintained and readily
accessible to employees, and a current inventory of chemicals
is in use and maintained.
• All employees are trained and apprised of the hazards of
chemicals present in their work area and understand how to
report unsafe conditions and how to perform proper cleanup
• All employees have access to a copy of the Hazardous
Chemicals Policy and Chemical Hygiene Plan
Exposure Control Measures
• The Chemical Hygiene Plan is reviewed annually
• Whenever an event takes place in the work area such as a
spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence resulting in the
likelihood of a hazardous exposure, the employee exposed to
the hazard may receive a medical examination
Exposure to Communicable
Diseases
• A communicable disease is defined as an illness due
to an infectious agent, or its toxic products, which
is transmitted directly or indirectly to a person
from an infected person or animal.
• An employee suffering from a communicable disease
or condition is encouraged to inform his or her
supervisor so that appropriate accommodations
may be made and appropriate precautions may be
taken.
Exposure Control Measures
• To prevent the spread of communicable disease and
conditions, universal health and safety precautions,
including precautions regarding the handling and
cleanup of blood and other bodily fluids, shall be
distributed by the administration
• Employees are also required to follow bloodborne
pathogens exposure control plan that contains
universal precautions and specific work practice
controls relating to the handling, disposal, and
cleanup of blood and other potentially infectious
materials.
Exposure Control Measures
• All employees are required to review and be
familiar with the plan within a reasonable time
after assuming employment, but not to exceed 30
days.
• Employees should not allow students to be
involved in the handling, disposal and cleanup of
potentially infectious materials unless the student
has been specifically trained in the handling of
such materials.
Exposure Control Measures
• Any employee suffering from a communicable
disease or condition is required to follow all
control measures given to him or her by the
assigned physician and take all necessary
precautions to prevent the transmission of the
disease or condition.
Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP)
Standard & Biosafety
BBP Standard
• BBP
• BBP Hazards
• Routes Of Transmission
• Diseases caused by BBP
• BBP Standard
BBP
Pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood
and can cause disease in humans
▪ Includes, but are not limited to
▪ hepatitis B virus (HBV) and
▪ hepatitis C
▪ human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
▪ Others include:
▪ malaria, syphilis, babesiosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis,
arboviral infections, relapsing fever, Creutzfeld-­‐Jakob
Disease, Human T-­‐lymphotrophic Virus Type 1, and viral
hemorrhagic fever
BBP
The following substances are specifically covered
under the standard:
▪Human blood,
▪Blood components,
▪Products made from human blood,
▪Items contaminated with blood,
▪Tissue and specimens
BBP
Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM)

(1) The following human body fluids:

⮚cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial
fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal
secretions
⮚ saliva in dental procedures,
⮚ any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood
⮚all body fluids in situations where it is dif9icult or
impossible to differentiate between body fluids
BBP
Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM)

(2)Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than

intact skin) from a human (living or dead)

(3)HIV-­‐containing cell or tissue

cultures, organ cultures,
⮚ HIV-­‐ or HBV-­‐containing culture medium or other
solutions;
⮚blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals
infected with HIV or HBV
BBP
Other body substances considered
non-­‐ infectious include:
1. Feces, nasal secretions, saliva, sputum, sweat, tears,
urine, and vomitus are not considered potentially
infectious unless they contain blood
2. The risk for transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV
infection from these substances is extremely low
due to low quantities of viral particles
NOTE: While documented in sexual transmission, semen and
vaginal secretions have not been implicated in occupational
transmission
BBP Hazards
Every exposure incident does not guarantee disease
transmission. Several factors affect
transmission:
▪ Infected Source -­‐ disease stage of the source
▪Means of Entry -­‐ severity or depth of the puncture
wound, broken skin, or direct contact with mucus
membrane
▪Infective Dose -­‐ the amount and type of fluid, as
well as the amount of infectious agent in the
fluid. Blood is the fluid of greatest concern
▪ Susceptible Host – immunocompromised at risk
Disease Transmission
▪ Percutaneous injury
▪ cut or puncture from contaminated needles, broken
glass, or other sharps
▪ Contact with non-­‐intact skin
▪ cut/abrasion, chapped, af9licted with dermatitis

▪ Contact with mucous membranes

▪ splash in the eyes, nose, or mouth

▪ Inhalation of aerosols
Hepatitis B Virus

▪ A DNA virus that

primarily affects the
liver
▪ Risk of HBV
infection after a
single positive
needle stick is 30%
Hepatitis B Virus
• INFECTIOUS DOSE: Unknown
• MODE OF TRANSMISSION: percutaneous or mucosal
exposure
• INCUBATION PERIOD: Usually 24-­‐180 days (average 60-­‐
90 days). The variation depends on the amount of virus in
the inoculum, mode of transmission, and other host
factors
• COMMUNICABILITY: All persons who are HBsAg positive are
potentially infectious, and blood can be infectious for several
weeks before the onset of clinical symptoms
• RESERVOIR: Humans
• ZOONOSIS: None
Hepatitis B Virus
• VECTORS: None
• PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: Moist heat at 98°C for 1 minute will
partially inactivate HBV in a 1:10 serum dilution. Incubation at
60°C for 10 hours (pasteurisation) will also inactivate HVB
• SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: HBV can survive and remain
infectious on environmental surfaces for at least 7
days
• SURVEILLANCE: Monitor for symptoms. ELISA,
radioimmunoassay, PCR, real-­‐time PCR, and non-­‐PCR
based DNA assays
• Note: All diagnostic methods are not necessarily available in
all countries.
Hepatitis B Virus
• FIRST AID/TREATMENT: Following exposure
area should be washed immediately with soap
and water. Seven drugs are licensed in the
United States for treatment of HBV infection:
interferon-­‐α, pegylated interferon α-­‐2a,
lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, telbivudine,
and tenofovir
• IMMUNISATION: HB vaccine have been
shown to be highly effective against all HBV
Hepatitis B Virus
• PROPHYLAXIS: Previously unimmunised adults
exposed to HBsAg positive blood should
receive HBIG as soon as possible as well as
immunization with HB vaccine unless natural
immunity can be confirmed
• LABORATORY-­‐ACQUIRED INFECTIONS: The
rates of HBV infection have been reported to
be several times greater in laboratory staff
than the general population
Hepatitis B Virus
• SOURCES/SPECIMENS: Blood, cerebrospinal
fluid, saliva, semen, synovial fluid, breast milk,
bile, faeces, nasopharyngeal washings, sweat,
peritoneal, pleural, pericardial, amniotic, and
unfixed tissues and organs
• PRIMARY HAZARDS: Percutaneous (e.g.
needlestick) or mucous membrane exposures
to blood that might contain HBsAg
Hepatitis B Virus
• SPECIAL HAZARDS: There is a potential for
infection via aerosols and HBV contaminated
surfaces
• RISK GROUP CLASSIFICATION: Risk Group 2
• CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Containment Level 2 facilities, equipment, and
operational practices for work involving
infectious or potentially infectious material,
animals, or cultures.
Hepatitis B Virus
• PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Lab coat. Gloves
when direct skin contact with infected
materials or animals is unavoidable. Eye
protection must be used where there is a
known or potential risk of exposure to
splashes
Hepatitis B Virus
• SPILLS: Settle aerosols, wearing PPE clean up
spill for following SOP
• DISPOSAL: Autoclave, chemical disinfection,
gamma irradiation, or incineration before
disposing
• STORAGE: The infectious agent should be
stored in leak-­‐proof containers that are
appropriately labeled
Hepatitis C
▪ A small (50nm),
single-­‐ stranded,
enveloped RNA virus
▪ After a needlestick or
sharps exposure to
HCV-­‐positive blood,
the risk of HCV
infection is
approximately 1.8%
Hepatitis C
• INFECTIOUS DOSE: Unknown
• MODE OF TRANSMISSION: HCV is mainly
transmitted parenterally by infected needles,
particularly those used by intravenous drug
users. Other parenteral routes exist such as
blood transfusion, organ transplantation,
contaminated medical equipment, and from
tattoo and body piercing equipment
Hepatitis C
• INCUBATION PERIOD: Ranges from 2 to 12
weeks
• COMMUNICABILITY: Can be transmitted from
person-­‐to-­‐person.
• RESERVOIR: Humans
• ZOONOSIS: None.
• VECTORS: None.
Hepatitis C
• PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: inactivated when
incubated at 60°C for 10 hours
• SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: HCV is relatively
unstable; however, in plasma it can survive
drying and environmental exposure to room
temperature for at least 16 hours
• SURVEILLANCE: Monitor for symptoms. ELISA
for HCV antibodies, PCR,to detect HCV RNA.
Hepatitis C
• FIRST AID/TREATMENT: Success rates with
antiviral therapy have improved significantly
over the last 10 years.
• IMMUNIZATION: None
• PROPHYLAXIS: prophylaxis is not
recommended
• LABORATORY-­‐ACQUIRED
INFECTIONS: Unknown
Hepatitis C
• SOURCES/SPECIMENS: Blood, blood products,
and bodily fluids, tissues, or equipment
contaminated with HCV infected blood
• PRIMARY HAZARDS: Needlestick injury, or
cuts with sharp instruments
• SPECIAL HAZARDS: None
Hepatitis C
• RISK GROUP CLASSIFICATION: Risk Group 3
Containment Level 3 facilities, equipment, and
operational practices for work involving
infectious or potentially infectious materials,
animals, or cultures.
• PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Lab coat, Gloves, Eye
protection, on the basis potential risk of
exposure to splashes
Hepatitis C
• SPILLS: Settle aerosols, wearing PPE clean up
spill for following SOP
• DISPOSAL: Decontaminate all materials for
disposal by steam sterilisation, chemical
disinfection, and/or incineration.
• STORAGE: In sealed containers that are
appropriately labelled.
HIV
▪ A retrovirus that causes AIDS
(Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome) by infecting helper
T cells of the immune system
▪ Transmitted by exposures to
infected blood and other
potentially infectious material,
frequently a needlestick injury.
HIV
• INFECTIOUS DOSE: Unknown.
• MODES OF TRANSMISSION: HIV is
transmitted either by exposure of the virus to
oral, rectal, or vaginal mucosa during sexual
activity; by intravascular inoculation through
transfusion of contaminated blood products;
by using contaminated equipment during
injection drug use; or from mother to infant
during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding
HIV
• INCUBATION PERIOD: Generally 1 to 3
months; however, the time from HIV infection
to diagnosis of AIDS had an observed range
of less than 1 year to 15 years or longer
• COMMUNICABILITY: Person-­‐to-­‐person are,
blood transfusion, needle sharing by infected
injection-­‐drug users, receptive anal
intercourse, and percutaneous needle injuries
• RESERVOIR: Humans
HIV
• ZOONOSIS: None, although current evidence
suggests that HIV-­‐1 and HIV-­‐2 entered into
the human population through multiple
zoonotic infections from simian
immunodeficiency virus-­‐infected non-­‐
human primates
• VECTORS: No laboratory or epidemiological
evidence suggests that biting insects have
transmitted HIV infection
HIV
• PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: Easily inactivated in
a cell free medium by ultraviolet (UV) light;
however, in cell associated samples and blood
samples complete inactivation requires much
longer exposures to the UV source.
Inactivated at pH higher or lower than the
optimal level of 7.1. Likely to be inactivate at
60°C for 30 minutes; higher temperatures and
incubations may be required for initial high
titre
HIV
• SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: Remain viable in
blood in syringes at RT for 42 days, and in
blood and CSF from autopsies for up to 11
days. Drying in the environment is known to
cause a rapid reduction in HIV concentration.
Under experimental conditions, Cell-­‐free
HIV dried onto a glass coverslip in 10%
serum can survive for longer than 7 days,
depending on the initial titer
HIV
• SURVEILLANCE: Indirect binding assay,
antibody capture assay, the double antigen
sandwich, ELISA, immunofluorescence,
Western blotting, line immunoassays, and
PCR, as well as viral isolation.
• FIRST AID/TREATMENT: Antiretroviral
treatment is complex, The 5 available classes
of antiretroviral drugs, NRTIs, NtRTIs, NNRTIs,
PIs and fusion inhibitors.
HIV
• PROPHYLAXIS: HIV postexposure prophylaxis
regimens are based on the nature of the
exposure. The majority of HIV exposures will
warrant a two drug regimen, using 2 NRTIs or
1 NRTI and 1 NtRTI. Combinations include:
zidovudine (ZDV) and lamivudine (3CT) or
emtricitabine (FTC); stavudine (d4T) and 3TC
or FTC; and tenofovir (TDF) and 3TC or FTC
HIV
• PRIMARY HAZARDS: Needlestick,
contaminated sharp objects, and/or direct
contact of non-­‐intact skin or mucous
membranes with HIV-­‐infected
specimens/ tissues
• SPECIAL HAZARDS: HIV should be presumed
to be in/on all equipment and devices coming
in direct contact with infected materials
HIV
• LABORATORY-­‐ACQUIRED INFECTIONS: The
numbers of laboratory acquired infections are
low.
• SOURCES/SPECIMENS: Blood, semen, vaginal
secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid,
peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid,
amniotic fluid, other specimens containing
visible blood
HIV
• RISK GROUP CLASSIFICATION: Risk Group 3
• CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Containment Level 2 facilities and equipment
for work involving clinical specimens and
non-­‐ culture procedures. Containment Level
3 facilities, equipment, and operational
practices for all work culturing HIV.
• PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: BSL3 PPE
HIV
• SPILLS: Settle aerosols, wearing PPE clean up
spill following SOP
• DISPOSAL: Decontaminate all materials for
disposal by steam sterilization, chemical
disinfection, and/or incineration
• STORAGE: Infectious material should be
stored in sealed, leak-­‐proof containers
that are appropriately labeled
BBP standard
1. Establish an exposure control plan
2. Employers must update the plan annually
3. Implement the use of universal precautions
4. Identify and use engineering controls
5. Identify and ensure the use of work practice
controls
6. Provide PPE, such as gloves, gowns, eye
protection, and masks
BBP standard
7. Make available hepatitis B vaccinations to all
workers with occupational exposure
8. Make available post-­‐exposure evaluation and
follow-­‐up to any occupationally exposed
worker who experiences an exposure incident
9. Use labels and signs to communicate hazards
10.Provide information and training to workers
11.Maintain worker medical and training records
Biosafety for BBP
• BBP Exposure Prevention
• BBP Biosafety Level
• Emergency procedures
• Exposure Incident
• BBP Exposure Control Plan
Exposure Prevention
▪ The single most effective
measure to control the
transmission of Bloodborne
Pathogens is:
Universal Precautions
▪ Treat all human blood and other
potentially infectious materials like
they are infectious for Hepatitis B,
C and HIV
Exposure Prevention
Guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure:
▪ Frequent hand washing
▪ Scrubbing with soap and warm water for 20
seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice
through)
▪ Consistent use of PPE
▪ Observance of Universal Precautions
▪ Vaccination against Hepatitis B virus
Exposure Prevention
Guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure:
▪ Regular cleaning and decontamination of
work surfaces with a cleaning agent
labeled as effective against Hepatitis B and
HIV
▪ Should always be done daily and immediately
after a release of biohazard materials
▪ Proper Regulated Medical Waste disposal
Exposure Prevention -­‐
Aerosols
Guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to aerosols
during blending, grinding, sonicating, centrifuging, and
lyophilizing:
▪All work should be conducted in biosafety cabinet
where possible
▪Allow aerosols to settle for 10 minutes before the
container is opened
▪ Use safety blenders – no glass blender jars
▪Place a disinfectant moistened paper towel on the
blender during operation
Exposure Prevention -­‐
Aerosols
▪ Lyophilizer vacuum pump exhaust HEPA filtered or
vented into biosafety cabinet
▪ Polypropylene tubes used instead of glass
▪ Sealed tubes and safety cups or buckets with an o-­‐
ring should be used for centrifuging
▪ Open rotors and tubes in a biosafety cabinet, or wait
10 minutes for aerosols to settle
▪ A shielded electric incinerator or hot bead sterilizer
should be used to minimize aerosol production, or
disposable loops
Engineering and work practice controls

❖ Dispose of needles and syringes in a sharps

container that is:
oRigid
oPuncture resistant
oLeak proof on sides and bottom
oPortable
oCloseable and sealable
❖ Do not overfill a sharps container
(Never let container be more than 2/3rds full)
Engineering and Work Practice Controls
❖ Sharps container shall be closed immediately prior to removal or
replacement to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during
handling or transport
❖ DON’T place needles or sharps in office waste containers
Engineering and Work Practice Controls
Contaminated needles and other
contaminated sharps shall not be
bent or recapped. If required
must be accomplished through the
use of a mechanical device.
Engineering and Work Practice Controls

▪ Hand washing facilities available

and employees wash their hands
soon after removal of gloves
▪Employees shall wash hands and
any other skin with soap and water
following contact with potentially
infectious materials
Engineering and Work Practice Controls

Specimens of blood or OPIM

shall be disposed in red bag
placed in a closable properly
labeled leak-­‐proof
container, prior to handling,
collection or transport
Extreme Care with Sharps
▪ Use sharps if only absolutely
required as part of a
process
▪ Percutaneous exposure risk
• Employ safe work practices
• Utilize safe sharp devices
▪ Aerosol exposure
air from needle risk
• Use biosafety cabinet for removal of

▪ Use mechanical methods for

e
needle removal
Hazard Communication
• Signs labels shall be posted at the entrance :
– Name of infectious agent
– International symbol for biohazard
– Special requirements for entering the area
– Name and telephone number of responsible person (s)
– Warning labels shall be affixed to containers, refrigerators ,
freezers, or other containers used to store or transport,
infectious wastes, blood or OPIM.

• Training
Post-­‐
Exposure
Post-­‐Exposure Evaluation and Follow-­‐up
If an employee sustains an exposure to biological
materials that are considered to be a
bloodborne pathogens risk, actions should
include the following:
▪ If contact with blood or other potentially infectious material,
wash the area for 15 minutes with soap and water.
▪ If blood or other potentially infectious material splashes in the
eyes or on mucous membranes, flush the area for 15 minutes
with water or normal saline.
Post-­‐
Exposure
Post-­‐Exposure Evaluation and Follow-­‐up
▪ If there is a cut or puncture with a
contaminated object (broken glass, needle,
etc), wash the area for 15 minutes with soap
and water.

▪ Report the incident to the supervisor.

▪ Initiate medical follow-­‐up immediately.

▪ Complete Accident Report form.

Emergency procedures
▪ Notify Biosafety Office as soon as possible
▪ Request assistance if needed or you are
unsure what to do
▪ Spill kits are available in all facilities
Spill Response
▪ Attempt to prevent liquids from running free by laying
paper towel or other absorbent material on top
▪ Do not use spill cleanup kit unless you are comfortable
doing so, allow someone trained to clean the spill
▪ Either way, make sure you notify someone right away
▪ Complete a Biohazard Spill Occurrence form, to be
available IBC web page
Exposure Incident Response
▪ Wash exposed area with soap and water
▪ Flush splashes to eyes, nose, or mouth with cool
running water for 15 minutes
▪ Report the exposure to supervisor and Biosafety
▪ Go straight medical support after washing and
notifying supervisor,
▪ Tell the doctor/emergency medical support
provider that you’ve had a blood exposure
▪ Upon returning to work, f i ll out an exposure
incident report
▪ Report all exposures, regardless of severity
Exposure Incident Response
▪ A conIidential medical evaluation and
follow-­‐ up will be made available to
employees following an exposure incident.
▪ Documenting route of exposure and circumstances
of incident
▪ Identifying and testing the source individual if
feasible
▪ Testing the exposed employee's blood if s/he
consents
▪ Providing post-­‐exposure counseling
and evaluation of reported illnesses
Review
▪ We care about biosafety to prevent the spread of
bloodborne pathogens
▪ Everyone working with or around pathogens should
have completed the 3-­‐shot Hepatitis B vaccine
series
▪ Gloves are used to protect us as we work
▪ Gloves must be removed before exiting laboratories,
and hands should be washed.
▪ If items must be transported, use a cart.
QUESTIONS?

Contact
Biosafety
Office
Recordkeeping
Medical records include:
▪ Hepatitis B vaccination status
▪ Post-­‐exposure evaluation and follow-­‐
up results

Training records include:

▪ Training dates
▪ Contents of the training
▪ Signature of trainer and trainee
BBP Exposure Control Plan
This is a written plan to eliminate or minimize
occupational exposures. The employer must
prepare an exposure determination that
contains a-­‐
• A list of job classifications
– all workers have occupational exposure, and
– some workers have occupational exposure,
• A list of the tasks and procedures performed
by those workers that result in their exposure
Hazard
assessment
and
signage