Biohazarsds (Essay Sample)

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BIOHAZARDS
I).Introduction to bio-hazards
II). Ergonomics
III). Types of biohazards
IV). Decontamination of Biohazards
V). Minimizing the production of Biohazards
VI). Occupational Health and Safety programs
Biohazard is a collective term used to describe biological products that endanger the lives of human beings and other living things. I intend to provide a detailed research of appropriates safety practices that should be complied with, the different types of biohazards as well as ergonomics. These hazards may range from medical and industrial waste. Other materials include sharp substances such as needles that are disposed of inappropriately thereby increasing the likelihood of causing injuries and harm. Human blood alongside products contained in blood is classified as a biological hazard. Body fluids and secretions are also classified as biological hazards. Microbiological wastes from laboratory processes that contain infectious agents are considered to be hazardous biological materials. Microbiological wastes from laboratory processes that contain infectious agents are considered to be hazardous biological materials (Dutkiewicz, Jabloński & Olenchock, 1988). This waste is comprised of etiologic agents, attenuated viruses coupled with body fluids containing harmful disease causing pathogens. Solid biohazardous waste should be disposed of in leak-proof containers. Moreover, containers are used to collect liquid waste after which they are decontaminated and then disposed.
The scientific rationale of ergonomics takes into consideration the different aspects of biohazard control. It is worth noting that technology impacts directly on ergonomic processes, thus compounding the risk attributable to biohazards in the event they are not contained adequately. As regards to the laboratory activities ergonomic principles should be applied so as to minimize the incidence of errors and consequently increase the efficiency of the laboratory processes. For instance, the frequency of work breaks should be increased in order to reduce instances of extreme fatigue. Moreover, the laboratory staff should be trained afresh so as to improve their professional competence and hence result in a decline in accidents. Another factor that should be considered is the speed used to perform assigned tasks. This helps in dealing with exhaustion attributable to repetitive body movements. However, this situation can be remedied by widening the scope of activities performed thereby drastically reducing exhaustion levels. It is, therefore, imperative to have a mental and physical break. Ergonomics provides tailor-made solutions that help address potential problems while using a simple task oriented approach. It also acknowledges that the human body has its limitation. Therefore, good ergonomic practices should incorporated into the workstations and, as a result, create an enabling and safe working environment.
Pathological wastes are also considered as biohazards. This waste is comprised of human tissues and organs. Tissues obtained from surgical and autopsy procedures also fall into this category. Animal waste in the form of carcasses, body parts and any materials infected by human pathogens is also considered a biohazard. Pathological hazards are stored in bags labeled using the biohazard symbol. These bags should be zipped in order to avoid the release of fluids contained in them. These hazards are then destroyed through incineration. In some instances, laboratory processes may incorporate chemical and radioactive materials this results in the production of mixed waste. Biohazard sharps also pose a threat to the wellbeing of individuals. These sharp objects cause harm after rupturing a person’s skin. They pose a risk if they are contaminated with infectious agents. Needles, disposable syringes, surgical blades contaminated with human or animal blood, microscope slides that are contaminated by unfixed specimens and pipettes contaminated with cell waste materials are categorized as sharp wastes. This category of wastes is disposed of in bio-hazardous sharp containers (Schmid & Roederer, 2004, p.69). These containers should remain closed at all times and should be disinfected before being removed from the laboratory. Solid biohazardous waste should be disposed of in leak-proof containers.
Biological hazards are mainly produced in laboratories. It is imperative that these laboratories properly treat and dispose of biologically hazardous materials. The waste should be well packaged to minimize the health risks caused by exposure. Additionally, the waste should be labeled accordingly. It is important to disinfect biohazards in the lab when disposing them off. Wastes such as clotted blood that cannot be treated in the lab ought to be transported and treated before being disposed. Biological hazards are classified into four levels throughout the world. It is worth noting that the classification is determined by the following factors the likelihood of the biohazard causing infections, the gravity and danger caused by the disease and the availability of viable treatments and vaccines. Level one biological hazards do not necessarily cause harm to healthy human beings. However, individuals with weak immune systems are vulnerable when exposed to this level of biohazards. Wearing gloves and face masks offer adequate protection when dealing with this level of biohazards. This level is characterized by a minimal threat to human beings.
The second level is characterized by agents that have the potential of endangering the lives of healthy human beings. These agents are perceived to be already in existence but cannot be transmitted through inhalation. A person can only be infected with these agents through direct contact with infected agents through open wounds, cuts, and abrasions on the skin. The salmonella bacteria, hepatitis B virus, and HIV virus fall under this category. It is imperative that biohazard symbols are applied when dealing with these hazards. Furthermore, autoclaves must be used in order to sterilize medical and surgical instruments. Level 3 is used to classify disease causing pathogens that have the capability of causing epidemics. These pathogens are particularly airborne (Richmond, Hill, Weyant, Nesby-O'Dell & Vinson, 2003, p. 20-27). Additionally, they possess the ability to cause harm without making direct contact. Precautionary measures should be observed at all times when dealing with these pathogens. The tuberculosis bacterium falls into this category of bio-hazards. Pathogens in this level pose a middle-level threat to human beings.
Level 4 is comprised of pathogens that have the potential of causing massive fatalities. This attributed to the unavailability of viable treatment options and vaccines. Medical staffs dealing with these pathogens are obliged to comply with all precautionary requirements. All workers are required to shower and change when entering and leaving an affected work zone. It is also mandatory for healthcare workers to wear protective suits that have provisions for ventilation. Moreover, laboratory equipment should be disinfected. The highly contagious and life-threatening Ebola virus is a level 4 biohazard. When dealing with biohazards it is important to adopt biosafety practices (Richmond, Hill, Weyant, Nesby-O'Dell & Vinson, 2003, p. 20-27). These measures ensure that all safety requirements are met. These safety procedures should be applied in laboratories that deal with human and animal samples. Biosafety procedures are geared towards averting the risks posed by microorganisms through hazard mitigation as well as the integration of appropriate biocontainment procedures. The primary role of biosafety levels is to offer protection against infectious agents that are hazardous. The infectious agents include bacteria, parasites, fungi, prions, and viruses. Physical and biological procedures are used to contain biohazards.
The majority of infectious biohazard agents infect human beings through the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, and self-inoculation. This situation is attributed to the generation of aerosols. Generation of aerosols can be minimized by ensuring safety cabinets that allow laminar flow are in place so as to offer protection against aerosols produced instantly. Additionally, work surfaces should be disinfected prior and after the spilling of biohazards. This precaution is effective particularly when dealing with aerosols that are resistant to drying. Splashes in the workstations can be contained by using absorbent substances (Grizzle & Fredenburgh, 2001, p.173). Other types of infectious agents gain entry into the human body through ingestion either directly or indirectly from hand to mouth. The infectious agents can also gain entrance through the skin. However, this scenario can be avoided by wearing gloves. Given that aerosols are odorless they pose a greater risk. In fact, the high number of laboratory-acquired infections is attributable to aerosols. Occupational health sa...