Section 14 – Biohazardous materials Policy

Version:02

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MANUALIssue Date:12 July 2002

Authorised by:Marjorie Dickenson

14.Biohazardous Materials Policy

Handling biological materials presents special risks which are not generally significant in other work environments. As they are living, or contain living organisms, they are potentially more dangerous than even hazardous chemicals. This is because micro-organisms:

  • may multiply very rapidly;
  • may be transferred from one person to another or even from animals to humans (are transmissible);
  • may produce toxic waste products which can cause illness or death; and
  • are often extremely small and difficult to detect.

Even a very small amount of biologically hazardous material deposited on a surface may affect a person, rapidly multiplying, given the right conditions, and cause a disease or illness which may be passed on to many others in the workplace or even family and friends.

14.1.Risk Assessment in Areas Using Biohazardous Materials

Risk assessments MUST be undertaken by any person/persons using biohazardous material BEFORE use. The risk assessment procedure should be conducted as per that for Hazardous Substances, except that the following additional items MUST be considered:

  • Is there any history of workplace infection from this material and if so how many were affected?
  • Are all sources of infection identified and clearly marked with signage?
  • Are there any infectious agents in excretor or saliva handled in the area?
  • Is there a possibility of infection occurring between laboratory animals and humans?
  • Are individuals at a higher risk of infection due to age, sex, or medical conditions?
  • Are there vaccines available for any potential infectious agents used in the process, and if so have staff been immunised?

14.2.Sterilisation and Decontamination Procedures

Decontamination refers to rendering an item or area free from organisms by killing them.

Sterilisation is the total destruction of any living species by the use of physical or chemical means.

Sanitation is the reduction in the number of living species in an area to an acceptable safe level.

There are many procedures available for sterilisation and decontamination of biologically hazardous materials. SimuLab policy dictates that heat sterilisation by autoclave is the preferred technique wherever possible. If heat sterilisation is not possible or practical (for example in the case of laboratory bench tops), chemical sterilisation using disinfecting agents shall be used.

14.3.Working with Micro-organisms

Micro-organisms are often highly contagious and therefore require specific containment procedures for safe handling. All micro-organisms in SimuLab laboratories must be handled according to procedures outlined in AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories – Microbiology.

Organisms in containment group 2 or higher MUST ALWAYS be handled in a biological safety cabinet.

SimuLab’s Infection Control Checklist, form 5-105, MUST be completed before handling any micro-organisms.

14.4.Forms

  • Risk assessment form
  • Infection control checklist form 05-105

08-001