1. Working with Biological Hazards
Biotechnology I

2. Introductory Question
When cooking chicken, what are some rules or guidelines to keep in mind during the preparation process?
Write down two procedures you should follow when working with raw meat and explain why.
When you are done, be thinking about how this could relate to lab safety.

3. Essential Questions What is considered a biohazard?
How are biosafety levels determined?

4. Purpose
Many of the organisms used in biotechnology may cause infections or illness.
To stay safe and healthy, it is important to understand the level of danger associated with various biological organisms
It’s necessary to understand safety precautions for each level.

5. Key terminology associated with Biological Safety
Biohazard-biological agent with the potential to produce harmful effects in humans
Pathogenicity-the relative capability of an organism to cause disease in humans or other living organisms
Containment – control of biohazards by isolating and separating the organism from the worker

6. Why important?
Biological safety is major issue in biotechnology facilities because they work with wide range of life forms

7. Guidelines dealing with Biosafety
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Guidelines for research involving Recombinant DNA Molecules
Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Animal welfare

8. Strategies for Minimizing the Risks of Biohazards
All laboratories using microorganisms must follow standard microbiological practices.

9. Standard Microbiological Procedures
Wear the appropriate PPE
Washing hands after working with microorganisms and before they leave the laboratory
No eating or drinking
Decontaminating work surfaces after any spill or at end of work session
All biological materials must be properly decontaminated before disposal

10. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010?
Thumbs up / Thumbs down: Which of these might fit the definition of Biosafety procedure?
- Using a fume hood - Decontaminate clothing - Separate Acids and bases
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010 10

11. Biosafety Level Detemination
National Institute of Health classifies organism according the health risks to laboratory workers
The health risk is defined by
the pathogenicity of the organism
Infection rate after exposure
Availability of treatment after infection occurs

12. Biosafety Level Determination
Biosafety levels determined by health risk
Lowest risk – biosafety level 1
Highest risk – biosafety level 4

13. Biosafety Level 1
Work with well-characterized strains of living microorganisms
not known to cause disease in humans
High school and college students commonly work with BSL1 organisms
Example of BSL 1 organisms -E. coli, yeasts, and most plants
E.Coli Bacteria
Yeast

14. Biosafety level II
Designated when working with agents that cause human disease
pose a personnel risk
Diseases usually treatable or prevented with vaccines
Examples of BSL 2 organisms
Bacteria- Salmonella,
Viruses –polio virus and rabies virus
Salmonella
Polio Virus

15. Biosafety II Require a higher level containment
Special written procedures are outlined
Special worker training is required
In some cases, the health of the worker may be monitored

16. Biosafety Level III and IV
Associated with more dangerous agents that are highly infectious
Work requires significantly greater containment barriers
often come with special facilities

17. Biosafety Level III and IV
For example, for very dangerous BSL 4 organisms like the Ebola virus
Require closed glove boxes
isolated air supplies,
positive pressure suits

18. Biosafety Level III and IV
Distinguished by availability of preventive or therapeutic agents to treat infection
With level III, may be available
With level IV, not available

19. Hold up the level you think each would apply to:
Lab that researches Ebola
High School lab that is working with GFP
Medical research facility that is doing tests on West Nile Virus
A lab that is working with transformed E.coli

20. Why are biological agents ranked?
Think-Pair-Share
Why are biological agents ranked?
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010 3

21. Read excerpt from “Hot Zone”
In this reading,
Notice the personality traits employers look for for people working in Biosafety level IV
Precautions workers in the field have to take