The biosafety cabinets are on Viber! Part 2

And the conversation continues...

Do you have further questions to Class I? Post it, guys.

Source:
Esco. A Guide to Biosafety and Biological Safety Cabinets. Singapore. Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. Available from http://www.escoglobal.com/products/download/1334055444.pdf

The biosafety cabinets are on Viber! Part 1

The biosafety cabinets recently joined Viber. Wanna add them?

Source:
Esco. A Guide to Biosafety and Biological Safety Cabinets. Singapore. Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. Available from http://www.escoglobal.com/products/download/1334055444.pdf

Biosafety Cabinet: Defined

From the previous blogs, the term biological safety cabinet has been mentioned. But have you asked yourself, what is it? What does it do? Well, in this next blog, we will be discussing about biological safety cabinet and its relevance to biosafety.

What is a biological safety cabinet?

A biological safety cabinet (biosafety cabinet) has been widely used to describe a variety of containment devices equipped with HEPA filter(s), designed to provide personnel, or both personnel and product protection from biohazardous materials. In the European Standard EN 12469, the term used is microbiological safety cabinet.

Example of a Biological Safety Cabinet
Photo credits from: www.escoglobal.com

These terms should only be applied to those devices that meet the requirements of Class I, II or III specifications based on their:

1. Construction. Biological safety cabinets are cabinet-like containment devices with typical parts like HEPA filter, sash, work tray and blower.
2. Airflow velocities. Airflow velocities depend on international standards for biological safety cabinets like NSF/ANSI 49 and EN 12469.The airflow velocity of a typical biosafety cabinet is controlled so as to properly contain infectious microorganisms within the cabinet.
3. Airflow patterns. Airflow patterns vary among the classes of biological safety cabinets, some recirculate air to the cabinet while others totally exhaust air outside.
4. Exhaust systems. Exhaust systems vary among classes of biological safety cabinets, either through hard duct, thimble duct or inside the room.

Biological safety cabinets should be in accordance to international standards. Here are some of the international standards:

• American Standard NSF/ANSI 49
• European Standard EN 12469
• Australian Standard AS 2252
• Japanese Standard JIS K 3800
• Chinese Standard SFDA 440569

NSF/ANSI 49 and EN 12469 have been the most widely used international standards for biological safety cabinets.

What are the Classes of Biological Safety Cabinets?

In general, we have three (3) classes of BSCs – Class I, II and III. They have major similarities and differences which will be discussed on the next blog. Moreover, these different classes of BSCs have different applications too.

What is the relevance of using a Biological Safety Cabinet?

When working with infectious microorganisms, the use of personal protective equipment such as laboratory gowns, gloves and mask is not enough in ensuring the safety of the laboratory personnel.

Personal protective equipment is the least effective control. It is highly recommended to use a combination of controls (practices and techniques, safety equipment and facilities) – biosafety - to ensure the safety of not only the laboratory personnel but also the environment. 

Biological safety cabinets play an important role in an effective biosafety program. It is the primary means of containment when dealing with infectious microorganisms. Depending on the Biosafety Level, the use of the different classes of biosafety cabinets is highly recommended.

However, remember that a biological safety cabinet is only one part of an overall biosafety program. Following safety practices and techniques, wearing personal protective equipment and modifying facilities are still highly recommended.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Appendix A – Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation, and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets. USA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from http://passthrough.fw-notify.net/download/462456/http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/BMBL5_appendixA.pdf [Accessed August 24, 2015].
2. ESCO. A Guide to Biosafety & Biological Safety Cabinets. Singapore. Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. Available from: http://www.escoglobal.com/products/download/1334055444.pdf [Accessed August 24, 2015].

A Letter to Mr. Ebola

Dear Mr. Ebola,

Photo credits from:
www.cagle.com

How are you? I hope you’re doing fine. Won’t you ask the people of Earth how are they doing? Just kidding. 

Well, you made it to the big screen now. What a blast. 

I want to talk to you about your recent event. If it’s okay with you, I would like to discuss a little bit about you since you recently made humans around the globe to freak out. 

They fear you, Mr. Ebola, but I fear you not. 

People talked about you, but at least, they saw my purpose too. It is all about you.

You are a virus that causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. The disease you cause, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, which is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.

Photo credits from:
Global Health Press Pte Ltd. 

You are transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids.

It means that blood or body fluids like urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk and semen from an infected person (alive or dead) have touched another person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, open cut or wound. You are not spread through casual contact, air water or food.

As scientists have discovered, when a person comes in contact with you, it takes 2 to 21 days for symptoms to develop. What humans know is that they are not infectious until they develop symptoms. Most of the time, infected humans develop fever, fatigue, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, stomach pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising and muscle pain.

Photo credits from:
www.weblogcast.com

The disease you cause can be difficult to distinguish from other diseases like malaria, typhoid fever and meningitis. Confirmation is achieved through laboratory tests. 

Samples from patients are considered an extreme biohazard risk.

Of course, laboratory personnel handling samples of you should be well trained and the process of investigation should be conducted in suitably equipped laboratories.

Speaking of laboratory tests, it should be conducted at Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4). It means there should be practices, safety equipment and facilities appropriate when working with dangerous and exotic agents like you which pose a high risk of life threatening disease.

Practices and techniques include: standard microbiological practices, biohazard warning signs, “sharps” precautions, biosafety manual, controlled access, change of clothing before entry into lab, shower on exit and decontamination of all materials on exit from lab.

It is important to note that a BSL-4 cabinet laboratory contains a Class III Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC). When the laboratory personnel is not in full-body, air-supplied, positive pressure personnel suit, it is highly recommended that the laboratory manipulations be conducted in a Class III Biological Safety Cabinet.

Thanks to you, people realized my purpose.

Mr. Ebola, you may be deadly. But I fear you not. I would tell the laboratory personnel not to fear you, if I could only talk to them. With me, I can help protect them from you.

Yours truly,

Class III BSC

Photo credits from:
www.escoglobal.com

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009.  Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. USA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015. Top 10 Things You Really Need to Know about Ebola. USA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: http://passthrough.fw-notify.net/download/683248/http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/top-10-things.pdf [August 15, 2015].

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about Ebola. USA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/facts-about-ebola.pdf [Accessed August 15, 2015].

ESCO. A Guide to Biosafety and Biological Safety Cabinets. Singapore. ESCO Micro Pte. Ltd. Available from: http://www.escoglobal.com/resources/guide-to-biosafety-and-biological-safety-cabinets/13/ [Accessed August 15, 2015].

World Health Organization, 2015. Ebola virus disease. Geneva, Switzerland. World Health Organization. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/ [Accessed August 15, 2015].

I love working with Ms. TB

Well, you may have encountered the term “TB”. 

It is a contraction of the disease Tuberculosis.

Photo credits from: ilovebacteria.com

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB is a disease caused by a bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attacks the lungs, but it can attack any part of the body. When a person with TB disease (lungs or throat) coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, TB bacteria are put in the air which probably inhaled by people nearby.

Photo credits from:
www.sherv.net

Take note that TB is not spread through:

• Shaking someone’s hand
• Sharing food or drink
• Touching bed linens or toilet seats
• Sharing toothbrushes
• Kissing

Tuberculosis Statistics:

1. One third of the world’s population is infected with TB.
2. In 2013, 9 million people around the world became sick with TB disease. There were around 1.5 million TB-related deaths worldwide.
3. 480, 000 people developed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the world in 2013.

Photo credits from: www.nhs.uk

Who is most at risk?

Tuberculosis mostly affects young adults; however, all age groups are at risk.

"People who are infected with HIV, children and people who smokes cigarette are at a greater risk."

What about those who are working in the laboratory?

As cited from the 5th edition of Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 

M. tuberculosis infections are a proven hazard to laboratory personnel as well as others who may be exposed to infectious aerosols. 

It is reported that a laboratory personnel working with M. tuberculosis is three times more at risk than those not working with the agent. The bacteria may be present in sputum, gastric lavage liquids, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and various tissues. The most important hazard is the exposure to laboratory-generated aerosols. It only takes less than 10 bacilli of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for a human to become infected with TB.

So what protection is needed?

Personal Protective Equipment

It is recommended that in dealing with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Biosafety Level 3 practices, safety equipment, and facility design and construction should be used. 

Biological Safety Cabinet
Photo credits from:
www.escoglobal.com

The use of primary and secondary barriers is emphasized. 

All laboratory manipulations should be performed in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC). Secondary barriers include controlled access to the laboratory and ventilation requirements that minimize the release of infectious aerosols from the laboratory. The use of personal protective equipment (laboratory clothing, gloves respiratory protection) is also needed for added protection.

To ensure the protection of the laboratory personnel, the environment and the community, appropriate Biosafety Practices must be followed. 

For a laboratory personnel, working with M. tuberculosis is not a problem, provided his safety is ensured by recommended Biosafety Practices. For sure, if they are assured of safety, they will always say "I love working with Ms. TB". 

For a more detailed discussion on biosafety measures when dealing with M. tuberculosis, the World Health Organization developed a Tuberculosis Laboratory Biosafety Manual.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012. Basic TB Facts. USA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm [Accessed August 14, 2015].

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012. Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidance for Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. USA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/laboratory/biosafetyguidance_xdrtb.htm [Accessed August 14, 2015].

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014. Tuberculosis Data and Statistics. USA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm [Accessed August 14, 2015].

 Public Health Agency of Canada, 2012. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Canada. Public Health Agency of Canada. Available from: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/tuber-eng.php [Accessed August 14, 2015].

4. World Health Organization, 2012. Tuberculosis Laboratory Biosafety Manual. Geneva, Switzerland. World Health Organization. Available from: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/77949/1/9789241504638_eng.pdf [Accessed August 14, 2015].

5. World Health Organization, 2015. Tuberculosis. Geneva, Switzerland. World Health Organization. Available from: http://www.who.int/tb/en/ [Accessed August 14, 2015].

Sometimes, a pair of gloves is not enough...

Can I still breathe?

Have you ever seen in movies a laboratory personnel in full suit apparatus like this one?

"Have you ever asked yourself why?"

Well, this seems obvious, but they are protecting themselves from exposure to hazards. But remember, it is not always required for someone to be in full gear, it depends on the biosafety level.

In the laboratory, a personnel is at risk of exposure to infectious agents and hazardous chemicals and there are ways to prevent and minimize exposure which include:

1. Practices and Techniques. Persons working with biohazards must be trained and proficient in the practices and techniques required in its proper handling.
2. Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers and Personal Protective Equipment). Primary barriers include biological safety cabinets and other engineering controls designed to remove or minimize exposure to biohazards. Personal protective equipment will be later discussed.



Biological Safety Cabinet

3. Secondary Barriers (Facilities). The design and construction of facilities contribute to the laboratory personnel’s protection, provide protection to persons outside the laboratory and the community.

The different controls vary in effectiveness. And depending on the Biosafety Level, one may require to utilize a combination of the controls.

"In this blog, we will be talking about Personal Protective Equipment and its relation to Biosafety Levels."

Defining PPE. According to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor, personal protective equipment is equipment worn to minimize exposure to serious workplace injuries and illnesses.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may include items such as:

1. Gloves
2. Safety glasses
3. Safety shoes
4. Earplug or Muffs
5. Hard hats
6. Respirators
7. Coveralls
8. Vests
9. Full body suits

What Personal Protective Equipment to use?

Biosafety Level 1: In laboratory procedures requiring Biosafety Level 1, a laboratory personnel should follow standard microbiological practices. An open benchtop with sink is required.

Biosafety Level 2: The personnel must wear protective laboratory coats, gowns, smocks or uniforms designated for laboratory use while working with biohazards. The use of gloves is required. Use eye and face protection when necessary. Remember to remove the PPE before leaving for non-laboratory areas like cafeteria and library.

"Sometimes, a pair of gloves is not enough...."

Biosafety Level 3: The personnel must wear protective laboratory clothing with a solid-front, such as tie-back or wrap-around gowns, scrub suits, or coveralls and should not be worn outside the laboratory. Gloves is required to protect hands from exposure. Eye, face and respiratory protection may be used as needed.

Biosafety Level 4: All persons entering the laboratory must use laboratory clothing (undergarments, pants, shirts, jumpsuits, shoes, and gloves). Take note that all persons leaving the laboratory must take a personal body shower.

Remember…

1. When working with biohazards, always practice biosafety.

2. Depending on the Biosafety Level, one may be required to use different combination of containment controls.

3. The use of personal protective equipment is not enough for laboratory procedures categorized in Biosafety Level 2, 3 and 4.

Sources:

1. ESCO. A Guide to Biosafety & Biological Safety Cabinets. Singapore. Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. Available from: http://www.escoglobal.com/products/download/1334055444.pdf [August 12, 2015].

2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. 5^th edition. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/BMBL.pdf [August 12, 2015].

3. U.S. Department of Labor. Safety and Health Topics: Personal Protective Equipment. Washington, D.C. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Available from: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/ [August 12, 2015].

Biosafety101: Are you SAFE?

Are you a chemist? Microbiologist? Researcher? Pharmacist? Biologist? Do you work in a laboratory utilizing infectious agents? Or maybe, just maybe, you’re a student learning these fields of sciences? Well, people from these fields would say that when dealing with biohazards, you should always practice biosafety…

Ooops. Biohazard? Biosafety? Have you heard of these words? If not, this blog will help you understand it and its relevance to your practice.

First and foremost, you need to understand what is a biohazard and its relevance to biosafety.

Look! It is the BIOHAZARD symbol. 

But what is a biohazard? 

Well, it is a contraction of the words BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS. It is described as “an infectious agent, or part thereof, presenting a real or potential risk to the well-being of man, animals, and/or plants, directly through infection or indirectly through disruption of the environment.” In short, a biohazard is a biological agent that could harm a living organism.

"By identifying the biohazard, you are able to determine the Biosafety Level."

What is its relevance?

In the field of science, especially microbiology, a person working on a biohazard should follow practices and utilize equipment and facilities that will protect him from exposure to the biohazard. And this is termed as Biosafety.

Biosafety is categorized into Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. These levels were established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Depending on the Biosafety Level, safety practices, equipment and facilities will vary.

Take note that unless the person working on biohazards follows these recommended practices and uses safety equipment and facilities, he will surely increase his and the environment’s risk of exposure.

So how these Biosafety Levels differ?

Well, the difference of biosafety levels mainly lies on what infectious agent (biohazard) is being used. And depending on the biohazard, a Biosafety Level is determined which comprises of 1) Practices and Techniques, 2) Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers), 3) Facilities (Secondary Barriers).

For E. coli, Biosafety Level 1 is appropriate

Photo credits from www.mathinscience.info

Biosafety Level 1 is recommended for infectious agents not known to consistently cause diseases in healthy adults. Examples of such include Bacillus subtilis, Naegleria gruberi and Escherichia coli which is normally found in our gut.

Biosafety Level 2 is recommended for infectious agents associated with human disease which primarily acquired through percutaneous injury, ingestion or mucous membrane exposure. Biohazards requiring Biosafety Level 2 include Measles virus, Salmonella typhi, Toxoplasma gondii, Hepatitis A, B and C viruses and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Biosafety Level 3 is recommended for biohazards that are indigenous or exotic agents with potential for aerosol transmission and diseases caused by these infectious agents may have serious or lethal consequences. Examples are Mycobacterium tuberculosis, St. Louis Encephalitis Virus, Coxiella burnetii, and Bacillus anthracis.

Biosafety Level 4 is appropriate for Bird Flu.

Photo credits from angrybirds.wikia.com

Biosafety Level 4 is recommended for biohazards that are considered dangerous and exotic that pose a high risk of life threatening disease. The transmission may be in the form of aerosols or in some cases, it is unknown. Numerous viruses that cause hemorrhagic disease (Ebola, Marburg, Lassa Fever, Hantavirus), H5N1 (bird flu) and Yersinia pestis require Biosafety Level 4.

Now you know what is a biohazard – this is the basis for the selection of the Biosafety Level (composed of 1) Laboratory Practices and Techniques, 2) Safety Equipment and 3) Facilities ) to follow. Remember, biosafety level to use depends on the biohazard.