Biomass

WHAT IS BIOSAFETY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “biosafety is a strategic and integrated approach to analysing and managing relevant risks to human, animal and plant life and health and associated risks for the environment. It is based on recognition of the critical linkages between sectors and the potential for hazards to move within and between sectors, with system-wide consequences”.

Biosafety is the adoption of protective mechanisms from the adverse effects of the products of modern biotechnology to the health of humans, animals and the environment. It is the containment of infectious agents in a controlled environment that follows strict guidelines and regulations. Biosafety is necessary to protect humans, animals and the environment from harmful incidents. Labs and facilities that house biohazards are always at the risk of exposure and therefore require an ongoing assessment and protocols set in place to follow.

There are possibly up to a hundred million species of plants and animals in the world which makes life on Earth truly diverse. The variety of life on earth at all levels from genes to entire ecosystems, encompassing all evolutionary, ecological and cultural processes that sustain life is biodiversity.

The main cause of exposure to harmful and even deadly pathogens and biohazards into the environment is human error. In addition to this, failure to effectively follow biosafety is a result of poor guidelines set in place for protection that contribute to unnecessary exposure.

NEED FOR REGULATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biosafety or biosecurity is responsible for preventing harmful biohazards from leaking into the environment that pose a threat to the health of human beings and animals.

Biosafety is also necessary to protect against theft, misuse, loss or intentional release of contaminants as a way of bio terrorism. Medical research has been vital in discovering cures, preventing and treating infectious diseases.

STEPS TO REGULATE BIOSAFETY

Bio safety regulation refers to the strict adherence of guidelines when handling microbiological agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, prions, and other related agents and microbiological products. It is a set of procedures, rules, policies and practices implemented at different levels of an organisation.

BIOSAFETY GUIDELINES DEPENDING ON THE FACILITY MUST CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:

● Bio-risk assessment and identification

● Laboratory design and facilities

● Equipment acquisition and maintenance

● Medical surveillance

● Staff training

● Safe handling of chemicals with fire and radiation

● Electricity safety

● Commissioning and certification guidelines for the facilities

The risks of not following adequate biosafety protocols are enormous. They can cause much harm and spread toxins. The risks are as follows:

● Allergies

● Health issues in humans

● Health issues in animals

● Reduced food safety

● Resistance to antibiotics

● Harm to the environment

● Mutation in genes

● Reduced nutritional value in crops

● Growth of superweeds

● Altered growth and variation of crops

The following guidelines must be followed for biosafety:

● Regular washing of hands

● No smoking in the lab

● Eating and drinking are prohibited in the lab

● Mandatory wearing of lab coats

● Mandatory wearing of protective gloves or entire PPE

● Regular decontamination of the work environment.

● Safe disposal of bio-waste vio incineration

● Laboratory doors must remain closed at all times

● Postage of biohazard signs surrounding and within the facility

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