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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:
- Practices and Techniques. Persons working with biohazards must be trained and proficient in the practices and techniques required in its proper handling.
- 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.
- 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.
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Biological Safety Cabinet |
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:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Safety shoes
- Earplug or Muffs
- Hard hats
- Respirators
- Coveralls
- Vests
- 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.

"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. 5th 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].
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