Biological agents: Managing the risks in laboratories and healthcare premises | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)

Best practice

Abstract:

The document provides guidance on duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as they relate to biological agents, to all those who have responsibility for assessing and managing the risks from exposure to biological agents at work both in a laboratory and healthcare settings. The guidance covers work in all types of laboratories where biological agents are handled and work with infected patients in human and animal healthcare settings. The guidance is divided into 4 parts which cover: - Part 1: Managing Health and Safety - Guidance on general health and safety issues/management and an overview of the assessment and management of risks from biological agents Part 2: Working in healthcare - Specific guidance on assessment and management of work involving infected patients in human and animal healthcare settings Part 3: Working in the Laboratory – What kind of work and what containment measures required Part 3A: Work in laboratories where biological agents are intentionally handled e.g. propagation and concentration Part 3B: Work in laboratories where potentially infectious material is handled The document also signposts the reader to other key guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other government departments that covers work with biological agents in the laboratory and healthcare setting.

Authors:

Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP)

Link:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_196331_smxx.pdf

Category:

Control

Investigation

Management

Prevention

Expert Review

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Summary:

The document provides guidance on duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as they relate to biological agents, to all those who have responsibility for assessing and managing the risks from exposure to biological agents at work both in a laboratory and healthcare settings.The guidance covers work in all types of laboratories where biological agents are handled and work with infected patients in human and animal healthcare settings.The guidance is divided into 4 parts which cover: -Part 1: Managing Health and Safety - Guidance on general health and safety issues/management and an overview of the assessment and management of risks from biological agentsPart 2: Working in healthcare - Specific guidance on assessment and management of work involving infected patients in human and animal healthcare settingsPart 3: Working in the Laboratory – What kind of work and what containment measures requiredPart 3A: Work in laboratories where biological agents are intentionally handled e.g. propagation and concentrationPart 3B: Work in laboratories where potentially infectious material is handledThe document also signposts the reader to other key guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other government departments that covers work with biological agents in the laboratory and healthcare setting.

Questions Addressed:

The document provides guidance and advice to those who have responsibility for assessing and managing the risks from exposure to biological agents at work and staff working in laboratories and healthcare settings on duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and under other health and safety legislation as it relates to work with biological agents.

Type of Study:

Best Practice Guidance

Methods Valid:

Yes

Methods Valid Detail:

Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens is a non statutory advisory non-Departmental Public Body that advises the Health and Safety Commission, the Health Safety Executive, Health and Agricultural Ministers and their counterparts under devolution in Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland, as required on all aspects of hazards and risks to workers and others from exposure to pathogens. Following the guidance is not compulsory but if you do follow this guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law.

Results Reliability:

Yes – As above

Problems or Biases:

None noted

Relevant Studies:

1. The prevention and control of tuberculosis in the United Kingdom Joint Tuberculosis Committee of the British Thoracic Society Control and prevention of tuberculosis in the United Kingdom: Code of Practice. Thorax 2000; 55: 887-901 http://www.brit-thoracic.org/guidelines

Keywords:

biological agents laboratory COSHH control of infection healthcare setting risk assessment

Reviewer Name:

Sue Wiseman

Reviewer Post:

Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH

Reviewer Affiliations:

Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association