Biological Hazards Chapter 14

1. Biological HazardsChapter 14 HS 432

2. Introduction Exposure to biological hazards in the workplace results in a significant amount of occupationally related disease. Work related illnesses due to biological agents such as infectious microorganisms, biological allergens and toxins have been widely reported. In many workplaces the presence of biological hazards and their resultant illnesses are not recognized. It is estimated that several hundred million workers are at risk from workplace biohazards, worldwide.

3. Examples • Workers associated with birds (parrots, pigeons, love birds, etc..): exposure to Chlamidia psittaci • Workers in wood processing facilities: exposure to toxins and fungi growing on timber • Sewage and compost workers: exposure to bacteria, hepatitis A virus, parasites. • Health care workers, emergency responders, law enforcement, morticians.

4. Biological Hazards • Microorganisms and their toxins • Viruses, bacteria, fungi & their products •  infection, inflammations, allergies • Arthropods • Insects, arachnids •  bites, stings, inflammations, systemic intoxication, transmission of infectious agents • Allergens and toxins from higher plants •  Skin dermatitis, respiratory asthma or rhinitis • Protein allergens • Urine, feces, hair, saliva or dander of vertebrate animals •  Hypersensitivity and inflammations

5. 1991, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard • What prompted OSHA to develop the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard? • Appearance of HIV in the 1980s • High incidence of occupationally acquired Hepatitis B among health-care workers • Purpose • To prevent or minimize parenteral, nonintact skin, and mucous membrane exposure to human blood and body fluids in the workplace. • Impact • Heightened awareness • Improved biosafety controls

6. 1991, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard • Bloodborne Pathogens • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)- most significant infector of health care and laboratory personnel in the past 50 years • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) • HIV • Syphilis, malaria, tuberculosis and others • Requirements of Standard • Developing an exposure determination plan – to determine which employees are at risk • Developing an exposure control plan – to outline how standard requirements will be met

7. 1991, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Controls UNIVERSAL PRECAUTION: all human blood and certain human body fluids are to be treated as if known to be infectious for bloodborne pathogens. Engineering controls Needle-disposal containers; equipment for reducing aerosol and splatter Work practices controls PPE (clothing, gloves, face & eye protection); hand washing; sharps management procedures; labeling of specimens; housekeeping (desinfection, disposal of wastes, spill management); worker training; immunizations (e.g. HBV) Biosafety Containment Level Requirements

8. Seven Basic Rules of Biosafety • Do not mouth pipette • Manipulate infectious carefully to avoid spills & the production of Aerosols and droplets • Restrict the use of needles & syringes to procedures for which there are no alternatives: • Use needles, syringes & sharps carefully to avoid self-inoculation • Dispose of sharps in leak- & puncture-resistant containers • Use protective laboratory coats & gloves. • Use face & eye protection when at risk of aerosols or splashes. • Wash hands after all laboratory activities, after removing gloves & after contact with infectious material • Decontaminate surfaces before & after use • Do not eat, drink, store food, apply cosmetics or smoke in the laboratory.