Biological Safety

1
Biological SafetyIts in Your Hands
University of Kentucky Department of Biological
Safety
2
Biological Safety Training

• Module 1 Basics of Biosafety
• Module 2 Risk Assessment
• Module 3 Working with Infectious Agents
• Module 4 The Biosafety Levels
• Module 5 The Biosafety Audit

3
The Biosafety Audit

• Part of the IBC Registration Process
• Documents
• Information about Infectious Agents and rDNA
  utilized in the laboratory
• Training and Experience of Personnel
• Microbiological Practices in Use
• Safety Equipment 1o barriers
• Facilities
• Special Practices/OSHA Guidelines
• The Audit Checklist
• http//ehs.uky.edu/docs/doc/biomedical_audit_check
  list.xls

4
Can you recognize safe practices?Whats wrong
with this picture?
5
RED FLAGS!
6
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• Open Flames in BSC

7
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• Open Flames in BSC

Safety Features Circumvented
8
Why are open flames in a BSC dangerous?

• Use of a flame in a BSC can distort the normal
  airflow patterns. Flow patterns in the cabinet
  are designed to provide a sterile working area
  and protection to the user. Possibly
  contributing to spread of contamination within
  the cabinet and user exposure.

9
Why are open flames in a BSC dangerous?

• Uncontrolled gas flow or large quantities of
  flammable liquids can produce a flammable
  atmosphere due to the air being recirculated
  within the unit. An open flame can produce a
  spark and result in a fire. BSCs are not
  explosion proof.

10
Why are open flames in a BSC dangerous?

• Heat generated by an open flame can damage the
  HEPA filter and/or the filters adhesive. This
  can produce leaks in the filter, adverse flow
  patterns in the cabinet, and potential user
  exposure.

11
Alternatives to Open flames in BSC
Bacticinerator
12
Alternatives to Bunsen Burners
No Pilot Required Battery Operated Footswitch or
motion sensor Wrist-operated Touch-O-Matic Timed
or Continuous Automatic Gas Shutoff Temperature
Control House Gas or Portable Tank
13
Biosafety Audit Red Flags
Grungy vacuum flask and tubing
14
Biosafety Audit CDC Guideline

• Ideal Vacuum Line Protection

Hydrophobic filter
HEPA filter
Disinfectant
Plastic coated flasks
15
Vacuum Line Protection

• Fill flask with disinfectant to ensure that when
  flask is 2/3 full disinfectant concentration is
  sufficient
• Empty flask when flask is 2/3 full
• Place disinfectant trap in a secondary container

16
Biosafety Audit CDC Guideline

• Ideal BSC Work Area
• Clean
  Dirty

Organized Workflow is Important
17
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• BSC Work Area Rear Vent Obstructed

18
Biosafety Audit CDC Guideline

• Store Supplies OUTSIDE of BSC

19
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• Annual BSC Certification Expired

The Department of Biological Safety manages the
annual recertification of BSCs on campus to
ensure cabinets function efficiently and safely
year after year.
20
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• Glove and Gown Practices
• Incorrect Correct

Gap Between Glove and Gown
21
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• No Soap at Handwashing Sink

22
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• Housekeeping

A well-organized work area can help prevent
accidents.
23
Biosafety Audit Red Flags

• No sandals when working in the laboratory!!!

24
Biosafety Audit CDC Guideline

• Disinfectant in Labeled Bottle

Label should include Type of disinfectant Date
prepared Initials of preparer
25
Biosafety Audit CDC Guideline

• Lab Coat Storage / Door Signage

Display biohazard symbol when materials hazardous
to humans are in use. Display plant biosafety
sign with biosafety level when plant material is
in use.
Dont Wear Labcoats Outside the Lab
26
Biosafety Audit Required

• Spill Plan / Kit

Chemicals Bentonite Clay (cat litter)
Biohazardous Disinfectant Paper
Towels Gloves Allow aerosols to settle for 30
minutes prior to cleaning Laboratory Spill
Plan http//ehs.uky.edu/hmm/spill.html
27
Biosafety Audit Required
Label the Cabinet Where Kit is Stored
28
Watch Out!
This person passes you in the hallway, going to
the break area!
29
Best Glove Use

• Gloves Not Worn Outside Laboratory
• Use an Appropriate Secondary Container
• Leakproof Container
• Open and Close in BSC
• Disinfect Outside Prior to Transport

30
Good Glove Use
One glove rule Hazardous Materials Infectious
materials Keep a non-gloved hand for opening
doors
31
Proper Glove Removal

• Remove gloves properly to keep biohazards on the
  gloves and not your hands!

32
Whats wrong with this picture?
Sandals Worn in Lab
33
Need More Information?

• For more information on the topics covered in
  this training check out these websites
• UK Department of Biological Safety
• http//ehs.uky.edu/biosafety/
• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
  Laboratories
• http//www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl5/bmbl5toc.h
  tm
• NIH Guidelines for Recombinant DNA
• http//www4.od.nih.gov/oba/rac/guidelines/guidelin
  es.html

34
Questions?
Marcia Finucane Biological Safety
Officer Department of Biological Safety 505
Oldham Court Lexington, KY 40502 Phone 
859-257-1049 Cell  859-699-1553 mfinu2_at_email.uky.
edu http//ehs.uky.edu/biosafety