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].