ohsrmPART BSchool of Molecular Bioscience

Hazardous procedure: Working with Risk group 1 microorganisms

Step 3. Assess the risk

Assess the risk for the top priority hazards identified in PART A ie., begin with those rated 1, then 2 etc.

Ref. # / Description of the hazard or hazardous job / Priority / Identification Date
1. / Infection of lab worker with microorganism / 5 / 1/03/2010
2. / Release of microorganism to environment / 6 / 1/03/2010
3. / Infection of community, animals, plants with microbe / 6 / 1/03/2010

What makes it hazardous? Consult with the workers to find out which factors are relevant:

X The physical activity required / Sitting, repetitive action, near flame.
X The work environment / Lab bench, confined space and isolated with no draughts. Good lighting required. UV required in room for quality control.
X The nature of the hazard itself / Exposure to opportunistic pathogens. See Australian Standard document AS 2243.3 for details.
X The individual(s) involved / Need proper lab background-trained in aseptic technique, OH&S training. Of Good Health (not immunocompromised)
Record the names of those consulted when assessing the risk / Date
Maria Koutsouradis, Joe Dimauro, Nick Coleman / 1/04/2010

Step 4. Control the risk(s)

Control the risks(s) by addressing the risk factors found in Step 3.

Consider the hierarchy of hazard control and record what controls will be used in the short term and longer term. Record also who is responsible for implementing the control(s) and the due by date(s).

Describe the risk control(s) / Who is responsible for implementation / Due by date
Personal protective equipment must be worn (lab coat, gloves, proper footwear, hair tied back, safety glasses if splash/ squirt/ spray risk present) / Prac class coordinators, lab prep staff, individual researchers & supervisors / 1/04/2010
Specific training in microbiology is required; the worker must have excellent aseptic technique to prevent contamination of themselves or their environment, and a good understanding of the risks associated with the specific microorganisms they are working with / Prac class coordinators, lab prep staff, individual researchers & supervisors / 1/04/2010
All biologically-contaminated materials must be disposed of as biohazards, ie. by autoclaving. Do not pour wastes down sinks / Prac class coordinators, lab prep staff, individual researchers & supervisors / 1/04/2010
Spills must be decontaminated immediately using bleach, with any cleanup materials disposed of as biohazards ie. by autoclaving. / Prac class coordinators, lab prep staff, individual researchers & supervisors / 1/04/2010
Development of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) / Safety Committee / 1/04/2010
Reading and following the SOP / Individual researcher and their supervisor / 1/04/2010
Record the names of those consulted when deciding on risk control measures
Maria Koutsouradis, Joe Dimauro, Nick Coleman
PART B completed by: / Joe Dimauro / Date: / 1/03/2010