CONTROL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN THE LABORATORY
Abstract
Occupational disease occurs at a significant frequency among laboratory workers handling infectious cultures and infected animals. The severity of laboratory infections, in terms of case fatality rate, is higher than the fatality rates for motor vehicle accidents. The handling of normal animals also presents a risk of zoonose infection. Although the precise causes of most laboratory infections are not recognized in terms of specific accidents and events, infection by the respiratory route following unconscious release of microbial aerosols is typical. Because these aerosols originate at the laboratory working surface, containment devices such as ventilated cabinets are of prime importance in preventing infections. An adequate safety program includes not only the necessary safety equipment and proper building facilities, but also the use of correct techniques and vaccination of laboratory personnel. The laboratory administration should provide the program with safety regulations, a means of reporting and analyzing accidents, and procedures for selecting and training qualified employees. In the campus situation there is a dual responsibility for microbiological safety. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0450104
Entities
People
- G. Briggs Phillips
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories