Safetyware EHS Consultancy

Blog

Posted By: Yee Swat | Apr 06, 2023

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL HAZARD

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL HAZARD

Workers confront a multitude of risks in the workplace every day. Biological risks are among them, and they can pose a major threat to the safety and health of employees. To protect yourself from biological hazards, it is critical to understand what they are, how they are classified, what measures you may take to lessen the associated risks, and so on.

BIOLOGICAL HAZARD

The term "workplace biological hazards" also known as "workplace biohazard" refers to substances or organisms that pose a health risk to employees. Bacteria, viruses, fungus, and toxins are examples of potential hazards. Many illnesses ranging from mild skin infections to life-threatening diseases can be brought on by biological hazards. Extreme caution should be used while handling potential biohazards since they may be harmful and, in some situations, even deadly.

Healthcare facilities, labs, and industrial workplaces are just a few examples of areas where biological hazards can be present. There may occasionally be biological hazards in the environment, such as in the water or soil. Contact with infected animals or people might expose workers to biological risks as well.

TYPES OF BIOLOGICAL HAZARD

1. Viruses

- Viruses are infectious agents that can cause a wide range of diseases, including the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. These tiny particles can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Some viruses, such as HIV and Hepatitis B, can be spread through contact with infected blood.

2. Bacteria

- Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can cause a range of diseases, from minor infections to life-threatening illnesses such as tuberculosis and meningitis. Bacteria can be found in soil, water, food, and on surfaces, and can spread from person to person through contact with contaminated objects or bodily fluids.

3. Fungi

- Fungi are organisms that can cause a range of health problems, including skin infections and respiratory illnesses. They can be found in soil, water, and on surfaces, and can spread through contact with contaminated objects or inhalation of spores.

4. Toxins

- Toxins are poisonous substances that can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, and cancer. Toxins can be found in food, water, and air, and can be produced by bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

EXAMPLES OF BIOHAZARDS

Although different workplaces and industries respond to different biohazards, there are some common biohazards that pose significant threats to worker health and safety. The following list of 10 examples of biohazards that your workers might encounter should be carefully reviewed.

1. Human body substance

- It is extremely dangerous, particularly for healthcare employees, to come into direct touch with biological hazards like human bodily matter in the workplace. For example, blood, saliva, urine, and mucus.

2. Blood

- Biological hazards include components such as bodily fluids, tissues containing blood, serum, plasma, and other blood components in a liquid or semi-liquid state.

3. Organic material

- Workers may also be subjected to trash, sewage, plant materials, and organic dust.

4. Molds and yeasts

- These are present in nature and are required for the decomposition of plant detritus. Such microbes can enter a building directly or via spores carried in by the air. Inhaling moulds, mould fragments, or spores can cause serious health issues or worsen existing health conditions in some individuals.

5. Airborne pathogens

- Sneezing, coughing, and direct or near touch are all effective ways to spread pathogenic microbes, which are tiny enough to be discharged from an infected individual.

6. Stinging insects

- Stinging insects are particularly hazardous to people who work outdoors because they are widespread across many different geographical areas. Bees, wasps, hornets, and both non-poisonous and poisonous spiders are examples of these insects.

7. Animal waste

- Biological hazards also include any animal body parts or sick animal bedding.

8. Microbiological waste

- This waste, which is typically found in labs, may contain concentrated forms of infectious products such as blood or bodily secretions containing infectious pathogens, specimen cultures, and viruses.

9. Pathological waste

- This includes any human bodily part, tissue, or organ removed during surgical procedures.

10. Sharps waste

- Such biohazards are part of the broader category of infectious waste, For example, needles, sharp objects, and shattered glass. These objects present a risk of pathogen cross-contamination and puncture of human skin protection.

Overall, it is important to take necessary precautions and follow proper safety protocols to prevent exposure to biological hazards and minimize their impact on human health and safety. For more information, please feel free to contact Safetyware EHS Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. through:

📩: [email protected]

📲: 012-498 7882

🌐: ehs.safetyware.com.my

IN THE UPCOMING BLOG, WE WILL LOOK INTO CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE.