Prevention of BBP Infections

In this section we will discuss procedures and work practices in use at the University to prevent BBP infections

– University Exposure Control Plan

– Universal Precautions

– Engineering Controls

– Safe Laboratory Work Practices

– Personal Protective Equipment

University BBP Exposure Control Plan

The University of Pittsburgh Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan contains information on:

• Exposure determination

• Methods of compliance

• HBV Vaccination

• Exposure response procedure

• Training requirements

• Updated on an annual basis

• Available at: http://www.ehs.pitt.edu/assets/docs/Blood-Pathogens.pdf

EH&S Website

The Exposure control plan is located under “Biological Safety”

Exposure Control Plan and many other resources

Universal Precautions

• Universal Precautions are sometimes referred to as “Standard Precautions”

• Standard Precautions = Treat all human blood, body fluids, tissues, and other potentially infectious material as if they were infectious for HIV, Hepatitis, or other bloodborne pathogens

• Standard Precautions are very similar to safe laboratory practices recommended for Biosafety Level 2

Biosafety Levels

The Biosafety Level (BSL) refers to the level of biocontainment precautions required to isolate

biological agents in a laboratory.

The BSL is determined via a risk assessment of the agents utilized, nature of the work conducted,

severity of disease, and transmissibility.

BSL Severity of Disease Caused by

Infectious Agents Worked with in Laboratory

Treatment Available for

Infection? Examples

1 Does not cause disease in healthy adults Yes Plasmids, E.coli

2 Can cause disease; no airborne transmission Yes Human cell

lines, adenovirus

2+ Physical laboratory space appropriate for

BSL-2 work; additional BSL-3 work practices Yes

Specific lentiviral vectors

3 Can cause disease; airborne transmission Yes Tuberculosis

4 Potentially fatal No Hemorrhagic

Fever

Biosafety Levels

There are NO Biosafety Level 4 Laboratories

at the University of Pittsburgh

Biohazard Labels

Biohazard labels must be attached to:

• Refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, or other equipment used to store or manipulate potentially infectious materials

• Other containers used to store, transport, or ship potentially infectious materials

Examples of Biohazard Door Signage Used at the University:

All labs where biological materials or agents are handled must have biohazard Signage on all entrance doors

Engineering Controls

A way to eliminate or reduce exposure to a hazard through the use of engineered machinery or equipment.

Examples include:

• Biological Safety Cabinets

• Puncture-resistant Sharps Disposal Containers

• Self-Sheathing Needles

• Other Safety-Engineered Sharps Devices

Biological Safety Cabinets

Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) should be used when handling potentially infectious material

• The BSC protects workers from aerosols generated when handling potentially infectious material.

• The BSC also protects samples from potential contamination by organisms present in the environment

How Does a Biological Safety Cabinet Work?

30% exhaust, 70% recirculated

HEPA filters remove only particulates, NOT chemicals

HEPA filters

Puncture-Resistant Sharps Containers

Sharps containers must be used to dispose of uncapped needles, blades, and other sharps in a safe manner.

Sharps containers should be sealed and disposed of when 2/3 full.

Engineering Controls

Examples of Safety-Engineered Sharps Devices:

– Self-sheathing or retractable needles

– Shielded scalpels

– Shielded IV catheter insertion devices

Contact EH&S at biosafe@ehs.pitt.edu for more information

Safety-Engineered sharps devices are required for: • procedures at BSL-2/ABSL-2 or higher • human subjects • direct patient contact

Centrifuge Safety Cups or Sealed Rotor Heads

Prevent the release of infectious agents from the centrifuge if a tube breaks or leaks

Mechanical Pipetting Devices

Eye and Hand Wash Stations

Note the location of hand and eye wash stations in your laboratory.

Work Practices to Prevent Exposure to BBP

Some examples of work practices that are

recommended to prevent BBP exposures include:

• Do not recap needles

• Do not dispose needles, glass, or scalpels in regular trash

• Treat all contaminated tools as infectious

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke in risk areas

• Do not apply cosmetics or lip balm, or handle contact

lenses in risk areas

• Use good hygiene practices (hand washing with

disinfectant soap)

• Use proper lab techniques and wear appropriate

laboratory attire

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Is provided at no cost to employees

• Must be specifically selected for tasks performed:

– Appropriate gloves

– Lab coat or protective coveralls

– Eye protection or face shields

– Surgical masks

Guidelines for Safe Use of PPE

• Always remove PPE:

– If integrity becomes compromised (holes or tears develop)

– If it becomes contaminated

– When your task in the laboratory is complete

– Before leaving the laboratory space

– Before entering public areas (DO NOT wear PPE outside of the laboratory)

• Properly dispose of used PPE

• Wash hands after removing PPE