8. Dealing with Biohazards   (See also Biology)

8.1 Introduction to Biohazards

A biological hazard (biohazard) is an agent derived from biological organisms or tissue cultures, carrying a proven or potential risk (risk group 2 and above) to humans or animals coming into contact with it. This includes bacteria, parasites, viruses, cells from cultures and/or nucleic acids from oncogenic sources, or potentially dangerous biological fluids. Human tissues, cells and /or body fluids are regarded as a potential biological hazard, even if taken from a healthy individual. The crucial difference between checmical-physical hazards and a biohazard agent is the possibility of the latter's self-replication, which demands the application of strict safety meansures to control the agent at every stage, to prevent its invironmental dispersion.

8.2 Responsibilities and Authorization for Working with Biohazards

Introduction of a biohazard agent (risk group 2 and above) into, or its removal from, the premises of the Institute and/or work with it, requires advance authorization from the Safety Unit, in conjunction with the Institutional Biosafety Committee. This applies to any human matter, normal or pathological, from a hospital in Israel or abroad, unless it is established that the material is not potentially dangerous.

The team director is responsible for maintaining proper and safe work procedures for individual and general protection. The scientist in charge of the project is responsible for briefing the scientific and technical staff about the procedures to be followed, and potential harzards involved in the work. Knowledge of the procedures is an important factor in ensuring individual safety, and sufficient time must be devoted to studying them.

8.3 Recognizing and Protecting Yourself and Others against Biohazards

Worker protections depends on the type of experiment and procedures that will ensure sterile conditions, and prevent contact between the individual and the hazardous agent. Refrigerators, freezers and storage areas for infectious agents are marked with a conspicuous warning sign "Biohazard". (See Institute Regulations for Safe Work with Biohazard Agents.) Aprons, gloves and other protective devices must be used when necessary.

8.3.1 Classification of Safety Levels in Laboratories

Work with biohazards is rated on a scale of Biosafety Levels (BL) 1-3, corresponding to P-1 to P-3 in the NIH Regulations (USA) for Recombinant DNA Research. The biohazard level of a project is determined following consulation with authorities from the Biology Department, together with outside experts. The Safety Unit has the authority to authorize the project, and to determine the required safety and environmental criteria.