Training and PPE
Training and Information
Training and assistance for researchers is available in the form of:
- Consultation assistance from the Biosafety Officer, IBC members, EHS Staff, and Laboratory Animal Resources Staff.
- Computerized and written information from this manual, EHS web site, governmental agencies, and many other sources.
- Training programs are available from EHS; see the Safety Training webpage for current offerings. Ask EHS about additional training, if your desired training is not already listed on the EHS website. As needed, the Biosafety Officer is available for assistance when designing and presenting training programs for individual needs or audiences.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Biosafety Labs
Ohio University currently has two designations for Biosafety Laboratories. These designations are Biosafety Level 1 (BSL1) and Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2). BSL1 Labs must only be used when there is no or low risk of infection. For higher risk organisms or techniques that potentially increase risk of infection, a BSL2 Laboratory must be used.
The following paragraphs briefly describe Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that must be used in each setting.
Biosafety Level 1 (BSL1)
Hand Protection
Gloves must be used when working with BSL1 materials. Whenever possible, alternatives to latex gloves are recommended to prevent the risk of an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals, and to help prevent the development of latex allergies over time. An example would be the use of nitrile gloves which are available in both sterile and non-sterile forms. Nitrile gloves also offer limited protection against chemical exposures.
Whenever chemical hazards require hand protection you must consult with EHS to determine the best gloves for exposure prevention. EHS can assist in determining the best gloves for usage based on chemical resistance and permeation rates for the compound being used.
Foot Protection
Closed-toed shoes with backs (no sandals) are required in all Laboratories at Ohio University. In some situations, shoe coverings may be provided to prevent tracking. Shoe covers are decided on a case-by-case basis and depend on issues such as risk of spillage, splash, or protection of sensitive cultures or colonies.
Clothing
EHS recommends that lab coats or uniforms be worn to prevent the contamination or soiling of street clothes. Lab coats must never be worn in common areas. Severely contaminated clothing (such as with an acid or toxic compound) must be disposed of as a hazardous waste. Other lab coats must only be removed from the laboratory in a sealed plastic bag for transport to a designated commercial laundry. Contact EHS for information on laundering or use of disposable clothing. Individual laundering at home is discouraged.
Face and Eye Protection
Protective eyewear is required for all laboratories. Protective eyewear is to protect the eyes from splashes of microorganisms or other hazardous materials during laboratory manipulation. The selection of appropriate eyewear depends on the risk of splashes or in some cases vapor exposure and may require chemical resistant goggles or face shields. Contact EHS if there are any concerns over eyewear selection and use.
Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2)
Hand Protection
Gloves must be worn when working with BSL2 materials or when there is a risk of encountering potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment. Alternatives to latex gloves must be available. Double gloving (wearing two pairs of gloves) may be appropriate, assuming proper dexterity can be maintained.
Whenever chemical hazards require hand protection you must consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and/or contact EHS to determine the best gloves for exposure prevention. EHS can assist in determining the best gloves for usage based on chemical resistance and permeation rates for the compound being used.
Gloves are to be disposed of when overtly contaminated and removed when work with infectious materials is completed. If the integrity of the glove is compromised (a puncture or tear) it must be replaced immediately. Do not attempt to reuse disposable gloves. Disposable gloves are not to be used for touching clean surfaces (keyboards, phones, etc.) and they must never be worn outside of the laboratory.
Foot Protection
Closed-toed shoes with backs are required. In some situations, shoe coverings may be required to prevent potential contamination of street shoes or for other reasons. Shoe covers are decided on a case-by-case basis and depend on issues such as risk of spillage, splashing, virulence or protection of sensitive cultures or colonies.
Clothing
Laboratory coats, smocks, gowns, or uniforms designated for lab use must be worn when working with BSL2 materials. The protective clothing must be removed and disposed of or left in the laboratory prior to entering non-laboratory areas.
Reusable clothing must be sterilized before leaving the laboratory and prior to laundering. It must never be taken home by laboratory personnel. Clothing that is suspected of contamination of visibly soiled must not be reused until cleaned.
Lab Animal Resources has two BSL2 Laboratories and provides disposable lab coats for use. These are to be disposed of in the proper container prior to leaving the labs.
Face and Eye Protection
Face protection (face shield, eyewear, goggles, or other splash guards) are used when anticipated splashes or aerosolization of infectious or other hazardous materials may occur. This must apply to most operations conducted outside of biological safety cabinets. Face and eye protection must remain in the BSL2 until sterilized.
Summary
The above general guidelines along with the practice of universal precautions are recommended minimum practice. More stringent requirements may be imposed by EHS or the Principal Investigator (PI) depending on virulence, toxicity, or other characteristics of the hazards involved. With chemicals, always consult the SDS and EHS to assure the PPE will adequately prevent exposures.
Where aerosol or vapor generation are a concern, respiratory protection may be required. Always check with EHS prior to wearing any respiratory protection device. Some voluntary protection is allowed for nuisance dusts and odors, but protection from chemicals or biologicals that pose a significant hazard will require medical clearance and fit testing prior to use. EHS can assist in determining what protection is required and arranging medical examinations and fit testing if warranted.