How are biological agents categorized?

Biological Agents are classified in the Code of Practice to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013 and 2020, into four risk groups – groups 1, 2, 3 and 4. The classification system is based on whether: The agent is pathogenic to humans. The agent is a hazard to employees.

What is the risk of bioterrorism?

Bioterrorism and other high consequence biological events can result in mass casualties, epidemic illness, healthcare worker illness, environmental contamination, legal issues, and cause unease within the medical community and the community at large.

What are the two types of biological agents?

Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins.

Where do I report bioterrorism?

For a complete list of Bioterrorism agents, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Physicians: To report Bioterrorism to the Department of Health, please immediately contact the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Administration at (202) 671-4222.

How can biological agents be prevented?

Use both collective protection measures and individual protection measures where exposure cannot be avoided by other means. Use hygiene measures compatible with the aim of preventing or reducing the accidental transfer or release of a biological agent from the workplace.

What are the regulations for Hazardous biological agents?

REGULATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL AGENTS The Minister of Employment and Labour has under section 43 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for Occupational Health and Safety, made the regulations in the Schedule. SCHEDULE No Regulations

What is the Code of practice for biological agents?

Code of Practice for the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013 and 2020 (S.I. No.572 of 2013 as amended by S.I. No. XXXX of 2020) When carrying out the risk assessment the hazards presented by all biological agents that may be present must be considered .

What is a biological agent?

Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions—even death.

How to apply the measures contained in the biological agents schedule?

In accordance with Regulations 16(c) and 17(2) of the Biological Agents Regulations, the measures contained in this Schedule must be applied according to the nature of the activities, the assessment of risk to employees and the nature of the biological agent concerned .