Biorisk
Managament
By: Jefferson Tabanag, RMT,
ASCPi (MLS)
PRE-TEST
10 item quiz
1. It is generally defined as the possibility
that something bad or unpleasant will
happen
a. Hazard b. Threat c. Danger d. Risk
2. Refers to anything in the environment
that has the potential to cause harm
a. Hazard b. Threat c. Risk d. Danger
3. The most difficult and most effective
control measure, involves the total
decision not to work with a specific
biologic agent
a. Elimination b. Substitution c. Engineering controls d. PPE
4. These devices worn by workers to
protect them against chemicals, toxins,
and pathogenic hazards in the
laboratory
a. Laboratory coats b. Personal Protective c. Engineering controls d. Biosafety cabinets
Equiment (PPE)
5. Refers to the policies, standards, and
guidelines used to control risks
a. Hospital mission b. Administrative c. Code of ethics d. Laboratory rules and
annd vision controls regulations
6. Physical changes in work stations,
equipment, production facilities, or any other
relevant aspect of the work environment that
can reduce or prevent exposure to hazards
a. Administrative b. Substitution c. Elimination d. Engineering controls
controls
7. A reevaluation of the overall
mitigation strategy
a. Performance b. Performance c. Performance strategy d. Overall evaluation
evaluation management
8. It is the risk associated to biological
toxins or infectious agents
a. Risk b. Biorisk management c. Biorisk d. Biohazard
9. It is the integration of biosafety and
biosecurity to manage risks when
working with biological toxins and
infectious agents
a. Biosafety b. Performance c. Biorisk management d. Overall evaluation
management management
10. Replacement of the procedures or
biological agent with similar entity in
order to reduce risks
a. Replacement b. Biorisk replacement c. Biorisk management d. Substitution
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Explain the importance Identify risk management, Discuss the AMP model
of biorisk management mitigation, and performace
evaluation procedures
Introduction
Working with infectious agents and toxins
in laboratories requires biosafety and
biosecurity.
Proper biorisk management ensures
safety of laboratory workers and patients.
What is Biorisk?
Risk associated with biological toxin or infectious
agents
Sources of risk include:
Unathourized access
Accidental release or loss
Theft or misuse
Diversion or intentional release of biohazards
Biorisk
Management
Combines Biosafety +
Biosecurity
Goal: Manage risks from
toxins and infectious agents
Standard: CWA 15793
Laboratory Management
standard
Definition of
BRM
BRM= System to control safety and security risks in:
Handling
Storage
Disposal of biohazards
Encompasses: Identification, Understanding, and
Management
The AMP Model
3 Key Components:
Assessment (A)- Identify risks
Mitigation (M)- Reduce/control risks
Performance (P)- Evaluate effectiveness
Based on robust risk assessments
Requires continuous Monitoring
Introduction to Biorisk
Management
Definition: A system to ensure biosafety and Biosecurity in laboratories
Involves 3 key components:
Risk Assessment
Mitigation
Performance Evaluation
Goal: Protect laboratory workers, patients, and the public
Risk Assessment Overview
First step in biorisk management
Identifies hazards and characterizes risks in the laboratory
Hazard: anything with potential to cause harm
Risk: likelihood that harm will occur
Example: A sharp needle = hazard; risk occurs if improperly handled
Steps in Risk
Assessment
Define the situation- Identify hazards, at-risk hosts, lab conditions
Define the risks- Determine exposure pathways (inhalation, ingestion, inoculation)
Characterize the risks- Compare likelihood and consequences
Determine if risks are acceptable- Evaluate adequacy of controls
Mitigation
Procedures
Overview
Second component of biorisk
management
Goal: Reduce or eliminate risks of
biological agents and toxins
Based on Hierarchy of Controls
Hierarchy of Controls
From most effective to least effective
Elimination- Remove the hazard completely
Substitution- Replace hazard with safer option
Engineering Controls- Physical barriers and equipment
Administrative Controls- Policies, SOPs, and training
PPE- Last line of defense (gloves, masks, gowns)
Examples of
Mitigation
Measures
Elimination: Avoid working with Bacillus
anthracis
Substitution: Replace Bacillus anthracis →
use Bacillus thuringiensis
Engineering controls: Biosafety cabinets,
centrifuges, ventilation systems
Administrative controls: SOPs, signage,
restricted access zones
PPE: Gloves, gowns, respirators.
Performance
Evaluation
Overview
Third component of biorisk management
Ensures implemented measures are
effective
A systematic process to meet
organizational goals
Helps identify ineffective measures →
refine or replace them
