An Introduction to Biological Safety Dr. A. Mantalaris Biological Safety Officer (ACE 515, Tel: x45601)

Biosafety 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 –Moral –Legal “Imperial College London” Policy general heath and safety policy specific policy on GMOs specific policy on dangerous parasites”

Hazard 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 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 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'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!!! Ask for advice Do risk assessment THINK!!!