General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

FolderUnderstanding and preventing

Biosecurity in the laboratory: evaluate before handling

Biosecurity protects people, samples and the environment during laboratory activities. The appropriate measures depend on the agent, procedure, location and competence of the team.

Topic updated:

Professional controlling a microbiological safety station in a laboratory
AI-generated illustration, not evidence of a health event. Protection is based on real work evaluation, training and equipment verification.

EssentialShort answer

To be retained

The starting points

Prior to biological activity, the laboratory evaluates hazards, routes of exposure and intended actions. This analysis guides practices, containment, equipment, training and incident procedures. A containment level indicated alone does not describe all the necessary measures.

Deepen ▼

01Reference

Evaluate the activity

The WHO approach starts from the activity and its context, and then selects proportionate measures.

Agent and sample

Identify what is known, unknown or likely to be present in the handled material.

Exhibiting gestures

Examine, inter alia, aerosols, stinging objects, volumes and transport steps.

Persons and premises

Take into account the training, condition of facilities and persons who may be exposed.

Review

Review the analysis when a protocol, agent, equipment or incident changes the situation.

02Reference

Select multiple barriers

Only one measure does not replace work organisation.

Practices

Written procedures, training and controls limit deviations during handling.

Primary Confinement

An appropriate microbiological safety station may contain certain aerosols depending on the activity.

Individual equipment

Blouse, gloves and respiratory protection are selected based on risk analysis and local instructions.

Decontamination

Waste methods and processes must be compatible with the agent and materials concerned.

03Reference

Learning from incidents

An incident must trigger a planned response and then an improvement of the system.

First steps

Apply the local procedure immediately and notify the responsible person.

Medical assessment

Appraisal of potential exposure by the appropriate department, depending on the agent and route of exposure.

Traceability

Document useful circumstances without unnecessarily exposing personal data.

Feedback from experience

Correct technical or organisational causes and verify the effectiveness of measures.

LandPutting into context

Situations to be considered

The control of a laboratory risk is based on the assessment of the gesture and the material, not on an isolated level label.

A new procedure is introduced

Evaluate potential projections and aerosols, handled quantity, equipment and training prior to implementation.

A sample is transported

Apply the packaging, labelling and circuitry provided for in the regulations and procedures of the laboratory.

An incident occurs

Secure the area according to procedure, report the event quickly and have any potential exposure assessed.

QuestionsClarifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the level of biological safety sufficient to choose the protections?

No. Tasks, exposure routes, equipment and skills must be assessed for each activity.

Does this file replace a laboratory procedure?

No. It sets out the principles; the applicable procedures and authorisations are defined by the establishment and the competent authorities.

Is a containment level sufficient to describe safety?

No. Procedures, staff competence, maintenance, waste management and evaluation of each handling also count.

Can we apply the same protocol everywhere?

No. The agent, specimen, handling and local rules determine the measures to be taken.

Institutional sources

External sources can evolve. Check their date and instructions for your territory.

PratiqueCheck before deciding

Agent, tâche et installation

Reading guidance and interpretation limits
Concept or situationWhat it describesPoint to watch
AgentLes propriétés biologiques décrivent un danger.Le classement d’un agent n’est pas à lui seul un plan de prévention.
ProcédureLes manipulations déterminent les possibilités d’exposition.Volume, projection, objets piquants et production d’aérosols.
InstallationLe confinement soutient les mesures de travail.Training, maintenance and procedure validation remain necessary.

Folder Illustrations

Images generated by artificial intelligence to put the subject in context.

Two professionals examine a closed sample rack in a laboratory. AI-generated illustration.
Organizing laboratory prevention — Two professionals examine a closed sample rack in a laboratory.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. Fictional AI-generated scene, not medical evidence or a diagnosis.
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