Question

Discuss biosafety issues.

Answer 1

Biosafety issues refer to a set of guidelines that are to be followed by personnel working in laboratories or other facilities (hospitals) that handle potentially harmful chemicals or biological substances. Adhering to the procedures stated in the biosafety guidelines also ensures the safety of the general public and environment along with the people who handle these harmful substances.

Complete answer:
Some of the key elements of the biosafety guidelines include assessment and identification of a potential biorisk (biological materials that can be harmful), maintenance of the laboratory equipment, training the staff on how to handle the situations in case of a mishap (fire, chemical spill, contamination, etc.).
The biosafety measures to be followed in the laboratory have been classified into four levels depending upon the types of projects being taken up. The Biosafety in Biomedical Laboratories (the BMBL) clearly describes those levels.
-The BSL-$1$ laboratories handle infectious agents or toxins that are not harmful to humans (non-pathogenic strains of E.coli). The people handling the material should ensure that their lab area is cleaned before and after work, they wash hands, safe handling of sharp objects, no spillage, using protective gear.
-The BSL-$2$ laboratories deal with biological materials or toxins that are moderately harmful to humans (like mumps virus). Therefore, the technicians have to be careful not to injure themselves while working. They need to wear protective gear. All the waste should be decontaminated before disposal and a biohazard sign should be provided.
-The BSL-$3$ laboratories work with materials that can be easily transmitted through the air and cause lethal infections (like SARS). Their protective gear should also include a respirator. They should work in cabinets where airflow can be controlled, have filtered ventilators and sealed windows and locked doors. All the used or waste products need to be decontaminated.
-The BSL-$4$ laboratories work with high-risk infectious agents (Ebola virus) that cause diseases that have no cure and can end up being fatal. The people handling the biological material should shower and immediately change their clothes after the work is done. They work in cabinets and decontaminate everything after the work is done.

Note: All laboratories that fall below the BSL threshold need to follow the Standard Microbiological Practices. Laboratories that work on animals, plants, or any other research have some additional guidelines to follow because they work with bigger organisms. These safety measures need to be updated from time to time and should and made available to the laboratory staff.