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Unit 17: Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques
Learning Aim(s): C, Undertake aseptic techniques to culture
microorganisms.
D, explore factors controlling microbial growth in industrial, medical and
domestic applications.
Assessor: Eoghan Pierce
What is Biosafety?
Biosafety procedures are a set of practices and protocols that are placed in order to ensure that everyone in the
laboratory setting is able to safely handle, contaminate and dispose of any types of biological materials. These
sets of procedures are set to protect individuals involved in the laboratory, the environment within or outside the
laboratory while prioritizing public health from any potential risks that come because of working with
microorganism and genetically modified organisms. (Science Safety Security – finding the balance together)
There are many levels that describe the extent of safety which are established based on the type of laboratory.
These levels are known as biosafety levels (BSLs). The BSL ranges from 1-4 and has procedures and protocols
as stated below.
Biosafety level Biosafety procedures
BSL-1 This Biosafety Level usually applies to laboratories that handle and work with low-risk
microorganisms. This means that they pose a risk of minimal hazard to the environment,
individuals, and other parties. Standard protocols and practices include basic hygiene such
as washing hands regularly and wearing basic PPE.
BSL-2 This biosafety level applies to laboratories that work with moderately hazardous
microorganisms and agents that could possibly pose a hazard to cause harmful diseases to
humans and animals. But usually includes pathogenetic microorganism that are studies and
practiced for a long period of time and those that have working or effective treatment.
Procedures and protocols include appropriate PPE, containment equipment and even
restricted access as they all help keep individuals and the environment safe within and
outside. In it important to note that they also use comply to protocols and procedures of the
lower biosafety levels.
BSL-3 This biosafety level usually falls within laboratories that work with exotic agents or new
variants of existing pathogens with potentially working treatments. These laboratories
usually work with microorganisms that can cause serious harm and, in some cases, even
lethal diseases through inhalation. These laboratories facilities include protocols and
practices that include strict containment measures, including specialized ventilation
systems, control access and specific dedicated PPE, to prevent any sort of exposure and
ensure maximum protection for individuals working with the organization and
environment. In it important to note that they also use comply to protocols and procedures
of the lower biosafety levels.
BSL-4 This is the highest level of biosafety and is established in laboratories that handle and work
with microorganisms that pose highly dangerous and erotic infectious agents. These
microbes pose the risk of severe diseases and fatality. Most of the time the microbes being
worked with tend to have no treatments or preventive measures to stop their growth. These
facilities usually have very strict and very protective procedures. Some procedures and
protocols include complete isolations from the outside environments, lots of air lock entry
, systems to stop the microbes being transported outside the laboratories. Individuals
handling these microbes should also wear a positive pressure suit which helps them protect
themselves. In it important to note that they also use comply to protocols and procedures
of the lower biosafety levels.
(Trapotsis, 2023)
Biosafety levels in my laboratory vs Industrial
The following experiments will be conducted in a school laboratory. This would mean the biosafety the lab
operates under would vary significantly to industrial laboratories. Here is a comparison between school
laboratory and industrial laboratory against many factors.
School Laboratory Industrial Laboratory
Biosafety Level School laboratories usually fall Industrial laboratories usually fall
under biosafety level 1. under biosafety 3 or 4.
PPE School labs follow basic PPE Industrial labs on the other hand
which may include lab coats, may comply with the basic PPE
gloves, safety goggles which can like the ones used in biosafety 1
help protect individuals from but may also comply with full
minor hazards such as spillage. body suits, respirators, and other
protective gear to protect
individuals from potential
exposure to hazardous materials.
Pathogen Type School laboratories tend to work Industrial labs on the other hand
with low-risk pathogen types and work with high-risk pathogenic
microorganisms. This usually organisms that usually don’t have
includes noninfectious known treatments. This means
microorganisms or pathogenic they have to take more extreme
microorganisms with known safety precautions to ensure safety
studies and effective treatment. measures are set.
Training School laboratories personals such Industrial laboratories on the other
as teachers, supervisors or hand usually have their personnel
techniques receive basic training undergo extensive training to
that covers general laboratory cover all aspects around biosafety.
safety procedures. This is because they must operate
various types of machinery, handle
hazardous material and therefore
need specialized safety practices
Emergency response School laboratories have a basic Industrials labs on the other hand
emergency response in place like have preset plans around
gas alarms and smoke detectors. emergencies. This includes
This usually results in disbanding containment protocols and
the laboratories as soon as possible coordination with external
emergency services which are set
up to protect individuals and the
environment.
Waste management School labs usually deal with non- Industrial Laboratories on the
hazardous waste from day-to-day other hand usually have to adhere
laboratory uses like school to a stricter form of waste
experiments. These waste products management because of the type
are generally properly disposed of. of products handled.
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