Guidelines for pathogen exposure

 

Table denote BSC classification and use

 

Classes of Biosafety Cabinets (BSC)	Personal protection	Product protection	Environmental Protection	Use
Class I	Yes Inward air flow through sash opening	No Unfiltered room air is drawn across work surface	Yes Exhaust air is HEPA-filtered	Not use for biological agents
Class II A1, A2, B1, B2	Yes Inward air flow through sash opening	Yes By HEPA filtered air Drawn down onto work Surface Room air kept away	Yes Exhaust air is HEPA-filtered	Most common class BSC class Type A2 Use to handle biological material, tissue culture, biological toxins, Biohazardous agents
Class III (Glove box)	Yes Complete Containment of interior work area	Yes HEPA filtered air is supplied to work surface Total containment Keeps room air out	Yes Exhaust air is double HEPA-filtered	Provides the highest level of containment for handling the most dangerous biological agents

 

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Microbiology and tissue culture practices in Biosafety cabinet

 

Biosafety cabinet (BSC)

 

 

Biosafety cabinet (BSC, biological hood)

Is a ventilated enclosure offering protection to the user, the product and the environment from aerosols arising from the handling of potentially hazardous microorganisms. Properly maintained Class I and II BSCs, when used in conjunction with appropriate microbiological techniques, provide an effective containment system for safe manipulation of moderate and high-risk microorganisms. The continuous airflow is discharged to the atmosphere via a HEPA filter. Class II A2 is the most common class of BSC and used to handle specimen material, biological toxins, cell tissue culture and biohazardous agent.Last inspection in Sackler building was on 03.09.2020. Exhaust air is HEPA-filter. Cabinets should be inspected once a year.

 

 

Biosafety cabinet practices

1. Plan procedures carefully

2. Start-up the biosafety cabinet 5-10 minutes before work

3. Decontaminate the cabinet with disinfectant before and after work is completed

4. Wear gloves and long sleeved lab coats

5. Do not overload cabinet. Separate clean from contaminated items (work from clean to dirty)

6. Protect vacuum system by trap

7. Avoid disruption of airflow (turbulence); extra items storage and movement in and around the cabinet

8. Perform work 10-15 cm back from the front intake grille

9. Do not block the back grille

10. Avoid use of flame. Turbulence and filter damage may occur

11. Avoid use of UV light. Germicidal effect drops off with the age of UV light, overuse, UV light cannot penetrate in all the contents inside the cabinet (plastic, dust disturbs). Exposure results in severe eye and skin damage

12. Check the hood periodically

 

 

Guidelines for pathogen exposure

Mucous membranes, eye and mouth: they are sensitive when exposure to pathogens (blood or body fluids)

• Emergency eye wash and safety shower station are essential equipment for every laboratory that uses chemicals and hazardous substances
• If exposure occurs like blood splashes, biological, chemical material or objects, irrigate the eyes in eyewash station for 15 minutes holding the eyes open

 

Hands and skin exposure 

• Wash under water for 15 minutes, then wash with antiseptic soap
• Cover with a clean dry dressing and add polydine oinment
• Follow signs of inflammation

 

Needle accidents or sharp instruments: single exposure containing human and mice cells, human and mice serum/blood 

• To avoid needle accidents: NEVER RECAP the needle
•  Wash under water for 15 minutes, then wash with antiseptic soap
• Cover with a clean dry dressing and add polydine oinment
• Follow signs of inflammation
• Note Seroconversion table
• Report immediately for antiviral prophylaxis

 

 

 Pathogen exposure risks

Biological material/Pathogen	Exposure risk/Rate of Seroconversion positive needle stick
Hepatitis B (HBV)	30%
Hepatitis C (HBC)	3%
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)	0.3%
Human, mouse cells	Very low probability for cells entering the blood stream

 

 

Hands wash	Irrigate your open eyes for 15 minutes when   chemical/biological  material exposure	Eye wash station

 

 

In case of emergency

Report immediately (filling the form for worker or student). Inform the Faculty of Medicine Safety Officer and Safety Unit