Biological Hazard

Biological Hazards

Biological hazards are organic in nature. They are usually identified as viruses, toxins, pathogens and other bio-active sources that can be a threat to any living organisms. Exposure to biohazards can come from several sources, contact with a contaminated substance and/or surface, plant and animal life, and human and animal remains and/or secretions. These organisms can enter the body via inhalation, ingestion, or a break in the skin. This category of hazard is as varied as their effects and as such are categorised by the level of virulence. There are four biohazard levels with level one being the least dangerous and generally none life threatening and level four fatal with no form of current treatment available.

Working with Biohazards

Exposure to biological hazards is widely common and the risk of contamination may not be easily established. According to the National Hazard exposure Worker Surveillance, de Crespigny (2011), approximately 1300 workers in Australia each year seek compensation due to biohazards. The report then goes on to state that this number may be an underestimation of the actual figures.

Contact with biohazards is extremely common in almost every employment situation.  Farmers and fishery workers are exposed not only to animal waste and excrement, but also deceased and decaying animals. Utility workers, medical staff and construction workers are at risk of exposure. It is not just the work place that offers people the risk of exposure to biohazards. Diseases such as Legionella bacteria which caused legionnaires disease can breed in air conditioning units meaning shoppers at a local centre can be at risk. Overall the possibility of exposure to a biohazards could be considered one of the highest risks currently known to man.

Evaluating Biohazards

Biohazards are categorised into four levels of severity. The first of which and also the least threatening is level one. This includes diseases such as varicella (chicken pox). Normal precautions are minimal and include mechanical pipetting, cleaning and decontamination of spills as well as sterilising equipment, personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves and masks are also used. Level 2 covers diseases such as the equine encephalitis viruses and HIV. Precautions taken while working in this environment include disposal of sharps in appropriately labelled containers, direct handling of broken glassware is not allowed, and workers must have the correct immunisation before entering the containment area. Level 3 includes West Nile virus and Yellow fever. These diseases can be fatal if not treated so precautions are even more stringent including solid-front gowns, scrub suits or coveralls. Respirators must also be worn at all time while in proximity of the infected subject. Level 4 is the most dangerous, diseases such as the ebola virus and the lassa virus. These diseases can be easily transmitted, are often fatal and there are no treatments available. Usually, these laboratories are either in a separate building or in a totally isolated area. Workers in these laboratories must wear an enclosed environmental suit with an external air supply. They must also be decontaminated upon exiting the laboratories. These procedures are outlined in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Laboratory biosafety manual (2004) 

Safety Measures

There are many different procedures outlined by the WHO concerning biohazards but these are by no means applicable to the average worker or the general public. Basic hygiene, disposing of waste properly and avoiding known contaminated areas is sufficient to avoid contact with most biohazards. Even the wearing of gloves and/or a mask will aid in avoiding most common diseases. If someone does however fall ill due to a biohazards, they should seek medical aid immediately.

References

Safe Work Australia 2011, National hazard exposure worker surveillance: exposure to biological hazards and the provision of controls against biological hazards in Australian workplaces, viewed 11 June 2016, http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/571/NHEWS_BiologicalMaterials.pdf

World Health Organisation 2004, Laboratory biosafety manual 2004, viewed 14 June 2016, http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/biosafety/en/Biosafety7.pdf