INTRODUCTION
Biological Safety
Biosafety is the application of safety precautions that reduce a
laboratories' risk of exposure to a potentially infectious microbe and
limit contamination of the work environment and, ultimately, the
community.
Environmental Health & Life Safety
The mission of Environmental Health & Life Safety is to support higher
education and research in conjunction with the University community by
promoting healthy and safe operations.
Individuals with different
experience will view risk
differently
The IBC relies on multiple
perspectives to evaluate risks
and recommend safety
practices.
What Is The Institutional Biosafety Committee?
How Does it Enhance My Research?
Purpose:
The IBC is required by NIH to ensure compliance with NIH guidelines on
research involving recombinant or synthetic DNA molecules
Enhancement:
The Committee provides guidance regarding the protection of all individuals
working in research involving biohazards
The IBC reviews the scope of all proposed research including those involving
recombinant/synthetic DNA, human or non human primate tissue, blood or other
potential infectious materials, and select agents or biotoxins, which are conducted
and are supported by the university, ensuring that they are in compliance with NIH
guidelines prior to approval.
Elements of review include, but not limited to:
• Classification of agents
• Risk assessment/management
• Assessment of experimental design, including procedures, practices, facilities,
and training requirements for all laboratory personnel.
• Approving proposed use of biohazardous agents
• Containment requirements and safety plan development
• Biosafety Level 1: Minimal hazard to humans, not known to cause disease in healthy adults
(Escherichia coli K-12)
• Biosafety Level 2: Agents associated with disease which is rarely serious or there is treatment
available, generally oral or inoculation hazards (Staphylococcus aureus)
• Biosafety Level 3: High individual risk, associated with serious disease which may or may not have
treatment, generally aerosol transmission hazard (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
• Biosafety Level 4: Serious or lethal disease for which there is not usually a therapeutic
intervention, generally dangerous and exotic viruses (Ebola virus)
The University of Houston currently has both Biosafety Level 1 and 2 laboratories
Sources of Laboratory Infection
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Blood samples
Sputum samples
Tissue samples
Feces samples
Pond/ river water samples
Routes of Entry for Laboratory infection
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Aerosol inhalation
Ingestion
Injection by syringe
Absorption through skin
Absorption through cuts/ abrasions
Figure. Left eye and right ear of a man with laboratory-acquired vaccinia virus infectionVirginia, 2008
Photos/Virginia Department of Health
In 2008, a lab worker at a Virginia university contracted vaccinia, the live virus contained in
smallpox vaccine. The man in his 20s worked in a cancer research lab with mice who were
infected with vaccinia virus. He recovered fully from an infection in his eye and ear.
Source: CDC
Laboratory Acquired Infections
Bacterial:
76% from clinical labs
8% from research labs
Exposure:
• 60% acquired from inhalation
Viral
16% from clinical labs
70% from research labs
Exposure:
• 32% from animal related activities
Risk Groups
RG 1
RG 2
RG 3
RG 4
Examples of Bacteria by Risk Groups
RG 1
Bacillus subtillis
Escherichia coli; K12
Herpesvirus saimiri
RG 2
Actinobacillus ureae
Escherichia coli
Listeriamonocytogenes
Salmonella
RG 3
Brucella melitensis
Chlamydia psittaci
Francisella- tularensis
Rickettsia akari
RG 4
NONE
Examples of Viruses by Risk Groups
RG 1
Bovine papillomavirus
Baculovirus
RG 2
Hepatitis viruses
Herpes simplexviruses
Measles virus
Rhinovirus
RG 3
HIV
Influenza A H2N2
SARS coronavirus
West Nile fever virus
Yellow fever virus
RG 4
Ebola virus
Herpes B virus
Marburg virus
Laboratory Rules
Access to the laboratory shall be limited or restricted by the principal
investigator.
Work surfaces shall be decontaminated once a day and after any spill of viable
material.
All contaminated liquid or solid wastes shall be decontaminated before disposal.
Personnel shall wash their hands after they handle viable materials and animals
and before leaving the laboratory.
All procedures shall be performed carefully to minimize the creation of aerosols.
Laboratory Rules & Regulations
• No eating or drinking
• No applying of cosmetics
• No applying of contact lens
• No mouth pipetting
AND…
Laboratory Rules
…NO Sandals
=
…NO Shorts
=
Laboratory Signs at Entrance
Post the following:
Entry and exiting procedures
A sign with the universal biohazard symbol must
be posted at the entrance to lab when
infectious agents are present. The Sign…
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Must include the biosafety level
Must include personal protective equipment
Must include Emergency contact information
May include name of agents, name of
investigator and phone number
May include required immunizations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment- is equipment/clothing worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards.
The following PPE is required in the lab
o Laboratory coats
o Gloves are worn when handling infectious materials (two pairs may be appropriate at BSL2)
 do not take gloves out of lab
 dispose of gloves properly
 do not open doors with gloves
o Eye wear (splash protection)
o Face protection (Shield / Face Mask) is used outside the biosafety cabinet (splash)
o No Shorts
o Closed toe shoes
o Protective clothing remains in laboratory – never take it home (use laundry service)
• Biological Safety Cabinets
• Fume Hoods
Biological Safety Cabinets
There are three types of biological safety cabinets. Cabinets are selected based on the
hazard level of the material that will be worked with.
 Class I
 Class II
 Class III
All cabinets must be certified annually and recertified when moved or repaired
Class I
A class I biological safety cabinet has an air flow into the cabinet in order to
protect the operator only from potential aerosols penetrating in an outward
direction from the cabinet
 Provides operator and environmental
but gives no product protection
Class II
A Class II biological safety cabinet is typically used for tissue culture, media
preparation and other work where a sterile working area is required
 Provides environmental, operator and
work protection with laminar down-flow
for work and inward airflow for operator.
Class III
A class III biological safety cabinet unlike the class I and II is fully enclosed,
providing the highest level of containment and protection for the operator and the
environment.
 Full barrier protection is maintained
 Manipulation of product is done by using
gloved sleeved ports
 Air is drawn into the cabinet via a ‘hepa’ filter and
exits via an additional ‘hepa’ filter
Biosafety Cabinet Work Techniques
• Keep all materials at least four inches inside the sash, and perform all
contaminated operations as far to the rear of the work area as possible.
• Segregate all clean and contaminated materials in the work area.
• Keep all discarded, contaminated material to the rear of the cabinet.
• Avoid moving materials or excessive motion of the operator’s hands and arms
through the front opening during use.
• Open flames SHOULD NOT be used.
• Use proper aseptic technique.
• Avoid using techniques or procedures that disrupt the air flow pattern of the
cabinet.
• If there is a spill or splatter during use, all objects in the cabinet should be
surface decontaminated before removal. Thoroughly disinfect the working area
of the cabinet WHILE IT IS STILL IN OPERATION.
Centrifuge Safety
• Use safety cups whenever possible.
• Disinfect weekly and after all spills or
breakages.
• Do not operate the centrifuge without the
rotor properly balanced.
• Do not use rotors that have been dropped.
• Before opening allow aerosols to settle
during normal operation
• If you suspect leakage occurring from the
centrifuge leave the area and call E.H.L.S
BIOSAFETY LEVEL- I
BIOSAFETY LEVEL- II
Unsafe waste Practices
Use/Reuse of
equipment
Unsafe collection
Unsafe disposal
Autoclaving: only trained personnel should operate autoclaves- inspect your autoclave often and
consult your autoclave manual
General Autoclave Safety Practices:
 Check inside the autoclave for any items left by the
previous user
 Clean the drain strainer before loading the autoclave.
 Glassware pieces should be within a heat resistant plastic
tray on a shelf or rack.
 When the cycle is complete keep your head, face, and
hands away from the opening.
 Wear heat-resistant gloves
 At a minimum a rubber apron, rubber sleeve protectors
and heat-resistant gloves should be worn.
 Do not autoclave items containing corrosives, solvents,
volatiles or radioactive materials.
Biological Waste disposal at University of Houston
Please use the online UH hazardous waste disposal form to request pick-up at:
http://www.uh.edu/ehls/waste/
SHIPPING
TRAINING
Classification
• Infectious Substances- A viable bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite, or recombinant
microorganism known to or reasonably expected to cause disease in humans or animals
UN 2814 Infectious substance, affecting humans
UN 2900 Infectious substance, affecting animals
• Biological Substances, Category B -Any human or animal material including, but not
limited to excreta, secreta, blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluids being shipped for
the purposes of diagnosis or investigation, but excluding infected live animals
UN 3373 Biological Substances, Category B
Example: human blood reasonably expected to contain HIV
Training Requirements
• To ship infectious substances or biological substances you must be
a trained person
• Recurrent training must occur every 2 years or as often as the
regulations change
• Please contact EHLS for shipping infectious and diagnostic
substances or to review your shipping qualifications
Animal Biosafety Levels 1 - 4 (BMBL)
Animal Biosafety Level 4 is required for work with animals infected with dangerous and exotic
agents that pose a high individual risk of aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections and lifethreatening disease that is frequently fatal, for which there are no vaccines or treatments
Animal Biosafety Level 3 involves practices suitable for work with laboratory animals
infected with indigenous or exotic agents, agents that present a potential for aerosol
transmission, and agents causing serious or potentially lethal disease.
Animal Biosafety Level 2 builds upon the practices, procedures, containment equipment, and facility
requirements of ABSL-1. ABSL-2 is suitable for work involving laboratory animals infected with
agents associated with human disease and pose moderate hazards to personnel and the
environment..
Animal Biosafety Level 1 is suitable for work in animals involving well-characterized agents
that are not known to cause disease in immunocompetent adult humans
Practices in the UH animal facility
Working Safely With Animals
• Stay alert: Bites, kicks, and scratches are often delivered when a handler
is distracted
• Be aware of zoonotic diseases: Zoonotic diseases are those that can be
transmitted from animals to humans. Examples of transmissible diseases
include ringworm, salmonella, herpes B, rabies, hepatitis, and tuberculosis
• Inspect handling facilities for safety: Sharp edges, slippery floors,
improper lighting, and other structural hazards are responsible for many
accidents and injuries
• Carcasses: All carcasses must be incinerated
• Training: ACO conducts specific training by species
BLOODBORNE
PATHOGENS
This section is intended to cover the basic requirements of the
bloodborne pathogens standard of the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, known as OSHA and the Department of State
Health Services. It will emphasize the importance of protecting
yourself and others from exposure to blood and other infectious
materials that may be found in your environment.
• What are bloodborne Pathogens?
Microorganisms present
In human blood, or
Other
Potentially
Infectious
Materials
That can cause disease in the body
• Other Potentially Infectious Materials, “OPIM”
• Semen
• body fluid where it is difficult to
differentiate
• vaginal secretions
• any unfixed tissue or organ
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• saliva in dental procedures
• HIV or HBV-containing cultures (cell,
tissue, or organ), culture medium, or other
solutions
• any body fluids visibly
contaminated with blood
• blood, organs, & tissues from infected
animals
• Most common bloodborne pathogens and disease of concern:
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) –
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) –
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- AIDS
HBV- HEPATITIS B VIRUS
Facts:
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Can live for 7+ days in dry blood
100 times more contagious than HIV
Can go undetected for up to 40 years
Over 1.25 million carriers
No cure, but there is a preventative vaccine
Symptoms include:
• Inflammation of the liver
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice)
HCV- HEPATITIS C VIRUS
Facts:
• The most common chronic bloodborne
pathogen infection in the U.S.
• 3.2 million (1.6%) Americans infected
• Leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S.
• No vaccine available
Symptoms include:
• Inflammation of the liver
• Fatigue
• Dark Urine
HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Facts:
• Survives only a few hours in dry environment
• Attacks the immune system
• There were 57 documented case of occupational
HIV transmission to health care workers
• There is no cure; no vaccine for the virus
Symptoms include:
• Many HIV infected people do not have symptoms
• Often infected people feel sick when the virus progresses
towards AIDS
Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens
Occupational Exposure:
• Reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral
contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result
from the performance of an employee's duties (research student/faculty
police, custodian…).
Exposure Routes:
• Eyes, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with
blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance
of an employee's duties.
Quick Stats:
In 2001 the Bloodborne Pathogens standard was revised to include the
Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.
Sharps Injuries
Recapping
3%
During Use
Disposal Related
After use
Before Disposal
11%
48%
30%
8%
Source : CDC
2007
Other
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xez7su_tryi
ng-to-catch-hepatitis-c_tech#.UelSLcso670
Minimizing The Hazards through Expose Controls Methods
Hepatitis-B Vaccination
Training
Equipment & Safer
Devices
Personal Protective
Equipment
Regulated
waste disposal
Safe work Practices
Decontamination &
Spill Clean-up
University of Houston Exposure Control Plan
Purpose:
The purpose of the university exposure control plan is to eliminate or minimize
occupational exposure to human blood or other infectious body fluids as per the
requirement the Texas Department of State Health Services and is developed in
accordance with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 .
Scope & Responsibility:
It applies to all University personnel who, during the course of their work, may
come into contact with human blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Each University department is responsible for providing all necessary supplies such
as personal protective equipment, spill kits, Hepatitis B vaccinations, etc.
What are some of at risk occupations at University of Houston?
Laboratory Research Personnel
Athletic Trainers
Student Health Center Personnel
Custodial Services
Dental Clinic Employees
Animal Care Operations
Personnel
• Solid Waste Personnel
• Police Department
• Plumbers
•
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•
•
•
If you are ever required to work with blood other potentially
infected materials, you should make sure to use
“Universal Precautions”
Universal Precaution
• A method of infection control in which all human blood, other
potentially infectious body fluids, as well as fresh tissues and cells of
human origin are to be handled as if they are known to be infected
with HIV, HBV, and/or other blood-borne pathogens
Treat everyone/everything as if they are possible carriers
of bloodborne pathogens and protect yourself.
• Universal Precautions are hygiene procedures used to prevent blood
or OPIM exposure. All tasks with a potential for exposure require the
use of Universal Precautions to eliminate or minimize the possibility of
exposure.
Looks familiar?
A case of Labcoatitis
Lab Coats
Did you know federal requirements state that lab coats should be removed
and left in the laboratory before exiting into non-laboratory areas, such as
hallways?
No lab coat beyond this point
Ways to be in compliance:
• Use departmental laundry facilities
• Arrange with external laundry services that are able to provide
biohazard laundry service
• Soak lab coat in a bleach solution in laboratory and hang dry.
For more information on options that will satisfy this requirement refer to the university
biosafety manual or contact EHLS.
• Safety Work Practices
http://youtu.be/zTWZtElvMAU
Hand washing is one of the most important (and easiest) practices used
to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Housekeeping
Do you think this is a safe work station, & why?
Excessive waste
Decontamination & Spill Clean-up
When and how should I decontaminate?
At the end of a work shift.
After any spill of blood or other potentially infectious material.
After any work procedures that result in BBP contamination
Use a solution of bleach and water (1:10) ratio. 1 part bleach to 9
parts water. Spray and let sit for 15 minutes
• Use an EPA-registered disinfectant effective for organism (read the
label to know if it is registered). Spray and let sit for 15 minutes or
as long as label directions indicates
•
•
•
•
Biological Spill Clean-up Procedure
• Alert individuals in the immediate area.
• Wear personal protective equipment (at minimum, eye protection,
protective gloves, and lab coat).
• Cover an area twice the size of the spill with disinfectant soaked-paper
towels or gently pour disinfectant over the spill area .
• Allow sufficient contact time, no less than 20 minutes.
• Remove the spilled material and dispose of in the biohazard waste
container.
• Spray the cleaned area with disinfectant and allow to air dry.
• Inspect the area to ensure that it has been properly decontaminated.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
For large spills contact the Environmental Health & Life Safety Department
Regulated Waste Disposal
What are some regulated waste
•Blood or OPIM
•Contaminated items (gloves, rags etc.)
•Contaminated sharps
•Pathological or microbiological waste
How should I dispose of contaminated waste?
• All cleaning materials should be disposed of in biohazard waste containers.
• Soiled none reusable PPE should be removed and disposed of in the
biohazard containers
• All items contaminated with blood or other infectious materials should be
disposed of in the biohazard containers, autoclaved or submit an online
request for pickup with EHLS through our website
Regulated Waste Disposal
Waste Containers Should Be:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Easily accessible
Labeled or color-coded
Leak-proof, closeable
Puncture-resistant for sharps
Replaced routinely (don’t overfill)
Kept covered
Placed in secondary containment
when transporting
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B can be prevented!
If you have never had hepatitis B,
you can get 3 shots . . .
1
2
3
. . . and get 95% long lasting protection.
• The vaccine is offered at no cost to you, and should be paid
for by your department.
• If you decline, you must sign a “Vaccination Form”
• The vaccine can be requested at a later date if desired
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Dose
Primary 1
Primary 2
Primary 3
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Adolescent and Adult Schedule
Usual Interval
Minimum Interval
----1 month
4 weeks
6 months
16 weeks*
*third dose is separated from
first dose by at least 24 weeks
Exposure Incident
If you have an exposure incident immediately do the following:
Thoroughly clean the affected area for 15 minutes by
• Wash needlesticks, cuts, and
skin with soap and water
• Flush with water splashes to the
nose and mouth
• Irrigate eyes with clean water or
saline
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Report exposure to supervisor and RM’s Claims Coordinator (713-743-5865) within 24 hours.
Post Exposure Evaluation & Follow-up
Post exposure medical evaluation and follow-up to expose
personnel:
• May be provided at no cost to personnel
• Confidential
• Blood testing
• Post-exposure treatment, as need
• Counseling
Record Keeping
All medical records are confidential, and kept by your health care provider. They
are maintained for the length of employment plus 30 years.
Incident reports are kept by personnel department, Risk Management and the
Environmental Health and Life Safety Department.
RESOURCES
• Environmental Health and Life Safety Biosafety Manual
• http://www.uh.edu/plantops/ehrm/ehrm_ecbs_biosafe.html
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration
• http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/
• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories., 5th edition,
Washington , DC:HHS Publication, 2009. Print.
Safety First
And Before You Go…
REMEMBER:
• Don’t forget to sign-up next year for your online Bloodborne Pathogens Refresher
Training. http://www.uh.edu/ehls/training/online/p08004/
Thanks for
• Always use safe practices
You can always
coming.
us at 713.743.5858 or emails us at http://www.uh.edu/ehls/