Biosafety in Microbiologicaland Biomedical Laboratories

5th National Symposium on Biosafety:
A Rational Basis for Biocontainment
Biosafety in Microbiological
and Biomedical Laboratories
3rd Edition
JY Richmond & RW McKinney (eds.)
BMBL
Introduction
1941 - Meyer and Eddie
74 lab associated brucellosis infections in US
1949 - Sulkin and Pike
222 viral infections (21 fatal)
Only 27% related to known accidents
BMBL
Introduction
1951,1965, 1976 - Sulkin and Pike
Surveys for lab-associated infections
More than 5,000 labs
Cumulative total of 3,921cases cited
Most commonly reported:
Hepatitis  Brucellosis
Tuberculosis  Tularemia
Typhoid
Venzuelan Equine Encephalitis
BMBL
Introduction
1951,1965, 1976 - Sulkin and Pike (cont.)
Surveys for lab-associated infections
Fewer than 20% associated with known accidents
Exposure to infectious aerosols plausible (but unconfirmed) for >80% of reported cases
Principles of Biosafety
Introduction
Biosafety Levels 1-3
Guidelines to describe combinations of:
Laboratory Practices and Techniques
Standard Practices
Special Practices
Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers)
Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)
Principles of Biosafety
Introduction
Biosafety Levels 1-3 Provide
Increasing levels of personnel and environmental protection
Guidelines for working safely in microbiological and biomedical laboratories
Lab Practices and Techniques
Introduction
Knowledgeable supervisor
Personnel
Aware of potential hazards
Proficient in practices/techniques
Biosafety manual specific to lab
Safety Equipment
(Primary Barriers) - Introduction
Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) [BSL-2/3]
Personal protective clothing
Gloves
Gowns
Pipetting Devices
Safety centrifuge cups and rotors
Eye and face protection
Respiratory protection [BSL-3]
Biosafety Level 1
Introduction
Suitable for work involving well-characterized agents not known to cause disease in healthy adult humans and of minimal potential hazard to laboratory personnel and the environment.
Biosafety Level 1
Introduction
Examples:
Bacillus subtilis
Naegleria gruberi
Infectious canine hepatitis virus
E. coli
Biosafety Level 1
Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)
Biosafety Level 1
Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)
Sink for handwashing
Work surfaces easily cleaned
Bench tops
Sturdy furniture
Windows fitted with flyscreens