Biological Hazard - Biological Agents

Biological agents are micro – organisms such as:

Fungi

Moulds, yeast and mushrooms mostly harmless to human but some can cause disease such as athlete’s foot and farmer’s lung, both fungal infections.

Bacteria

Single celled organisms that are found in vast numbers in and on the human body. Some are beneficial while others can cause disease such as legionnaires, leptospirosis etc.,

Viruses

Very small infections organisms that reproduction on living cells of human body. Example – Hepatitis

Possible routes of Entry for a Biological Agent

The possible routes of entry for a biological agent into the body would be 

inhalation – airborne micro-organisms, 

absorption through the skin, injection for example through cut and grazes, exchange of body fluids, and 

ingestion – contaminated food.

Control Measures to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Biological Agent

• In order to reduce the risk of infection from biological organisms we can adopt a number of control Measures such as cleaning and disinfecting
• The use of personal protective equipment like respiratory protection, aprons and gloves
• Engineering controls such as containment for example in glove boxes, can also be provided with local exhaust ventilation and the use of microbiological safety cabinets
• The introduction of procedures for the disposal of waste
• The prohibition of eating or drinking in the work area
• Vermin control
• Procedures for site monitoring and health surveillance
• Immunization and a good standard of personal hygiene.

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