Biological Hazard

The most common source of human biological material comes from patients.Biomaterials is defined as any material, natural or man-made that comprises whole or part living structures or biomedical device which performs, or replace a natural function. Meanwhile, biological agent is defined as a micro-organisms, cell culture, or human endoparasite whether or not genetically modified, which may cause infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health. On the other hand, biological hazard or biohazard is defined as biological materials that present a risk or potential risk to the health of humans, animals or the environment. This can include medical waste, samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can impact human health.

Levels of Biohazard

Biohazard Level 1

Several kinds of bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria. At this level precautions against the biohazardous materials in question are minimal, most likely involving gloves and some sort of facial protection. Usually, contaminated materials are left in open (but separately indicated) trash receptacles. Decontamination procedures for this level are similar in most respects to modern precautions against everyday viruses (i.e.: washing one's hands with anti-bacterial soap, washing all exposed surfaces of the lab with disinfectants, etc). In a lab environment, all materials used for cell and/or bacteria cultures are decontaminated via autoclave

Biohazard Level 2

Various bacteria and viruses that cause only mild disease to humans, or are difficult to contract via aerosol in a lab setting such as hepatitis A, B, and C, influenza A, Lyme disease, salmonella, mumps, measles, HIV and scrapie.

Biohazard Level 3

Various bacteria and viruses that can cause severe to fatal disease in humans, but for which vaccines or other treatment exist such as anthrax, West Nile virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, SARS, smallpox, tuberculosis, typhus, Rift Valley fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, yellow fever.

Biohazard Level 4

Exclusively viruses that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, dengue fever, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, and other various hemorrhagic diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release.

Handling of Biological Materials

Personnel

• Lab Coat
• Appropriate Gloves
• Appropriate Eye Protection
• Respirator
• Safety/Containment Equipment

Biological Safety Cabinet

• Sealed Rotors/Safety Buckets
• Mechanical Pipette
• Plastic-backed disposable paper

Facilities

• Laboratories have doors
• Sink for hand washing
• Work surfaces easily cleaned
• Bench tops are impervious to water
• Study furniture
• Biological safety cabinets installed as needed
• Eyewash readily available
• Autoclave available

Lab Practices

• Prohibit eating, drinking and smoking
• Prohibit mouth pipetting
• Minimize splashes and aerosols
• Decontaminate work surfaces daily
• Dispose of contaminated wastes in biohazard container
• Wash hands