Biohazard: Threat Levels & Protection…
A biological hazard, or biohazard, is a biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This could include a sample of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can affect human health.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes various diseases in levels of biohazard, Level 1 being minimum risk and Level 4 being extreme risk.
- Biohazard Level 1: Bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, and varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria.
- Biohazard Level 2: Bacteria and viruses that cause only mild disease to humans, or are difficult to contract via aerosol in a lab setting, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, some influenza A strains, Lyme disease, salmonella, mumps, measles, scrapie, dengue fever, and HIV.
- Biohazard Level 3: Bacteria and viruses that can cause severe to fatal disease in humans, but for which vaccines or other treatments exist, such as anthrax, West Nile virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, SARS virus, MERS coronavirus, hantaviruses, tuberculosis, typhus, Rift Valley fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, yellow fever, and malaria.
- Biohazard Level 4: Viruses that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, Lassa fever virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic diseases. Variola virus (smallpox) is an agent that is worked with at BSL-4 despite the existence of a vaccine, as it has been eradicated. Currently there are no bacteria classified at this level.
Laboratories and other facilities are categorized as BSL (Biosafety Level) 1–4 or as P1 through P4 for short (Pathogen or Protection Level).
Personal Protective Equipment
Respirators
Respirators help filter out harmful airborne particles to allow breathing without damaging the lungs, esophagus and other parts of the respiratory system.
- Surgical mask — mainly used to protect against splashing; protects a person/subject from the wearer’s mouth and does not generally filter air effectively.
- N-95 respirator — protects against dust, mites and other small airborne particles. Often used in labs while working with infected biological materials.
- Half-mask respirator — actively filters air and protects against transmittable diseases, fumes and toxic chemicals.
- Full-face respirator — used in similar situations as the half-mask, but with added protection for the eyes and face.
Hand protection
- Disposable latex gloves — used while handling blood & tissue samples and protects against bloodborne pathogens.
- Disposable nitrile gloves — these are more resistant to puncture/abrasion than normal latex gloves and are used when handling biological and chemical materials.
- Rubber gloves — mainly used when handling small volumes of corrosive chemicals & flammable solvents.
Skin protection
Protecting the extremities and torso is also crucial when handling biohazards. Skin protection can come in various forms including overalls, lab coats and full-body suits. To ensure total safety, our biohazard cleanup technicians wear full-body suits for every job.
- Cotton/polyester blend — general chemical/biological and physical hazards.
- Flame-resistant — used while working with explosive or corrosive chemicals.
- Polyester — provides protection from splashing while working with infectious material.
- Polypropylene — strong and durable for rigorous activities and rugged situations provides barrier to a broad range of chemicals as well as biological agents.
Eye protection
- Basic safety goggles — protect from projectiles but not effective against splashing.
- Chemical splash goggles — these goggles have suction that fit around the eyes to protect from debris and chemical splashes.
- Face shield — face shields protect the entire face from debris, projectiles, and splashes of any kind. They’re normally worn over chemical splash goggles for extra protection and are used when handling highly toxic materials.
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