Biological Risk Assessments
Risk Assessments help determine and establish appropriate containment and practices necessary to avoid exposure to biological agents and materials as well as prevent releases into the environment.
Biological Safety focuses on the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms or biohazardous materials to prevent accidental or occupational exposure, or release into the environment.
Factors of Biological Risk Assessments
Biological Agent
- Pathogenicity
- Virulence
- Environment
- Host
- Mode of Transmission
- Viability
- Immunizations & Treatments
Laboratory Procedures
- Creation of Aerosols & Droplets
- Use of Sharps
- Use of Live Animals
Laboratory Staff
- Training & Proficiency
- Knowledge & Experience
Routes of Entry
- Absorption
- Non-Intact Skin
- Eyes
- Mucus Membranes
- Injection
- Contaminated needle or sharps
- Ingestion
- Eating
- Applying lip balm
- Inhalation
- Breathing
Routes of Transmission
- Contact
- Direct Contact
- Indirect Contact
- Droplet Contact
- Vehicle-borne
- Contaminated Food
- Contaminated Water
- Blood
- Tissues/Organs
- Airborne
- Droplet Nuclei
- Dust
- Vector-borne
- Insects
- Arthropods
Biological Safety Levels
Biological safety levels consist of combinations of laboratory practices and techniques, safety equipment, and laboratory facilities to appropriately safeguard against the hazards and risks associated with the specific work activities.
