Microbiological working environment risks – infection, toxigenic effect, hypersensitivity

Work environments of every kind can be affected by the new Provisions and General Recommendations Microbiological Work Environment Risks – Infection, Toxigenic Effect, Hypersensitivity, AFS 2005:01, which are a transposition of Directive 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work.

These rules, effective from 1st June, do not represent any change in the level of stipulations but are more lucid and systematic than those applying previously. They supersede the earlier rules on Biological Substances, AFS 1997:12, Work Involving Infection Risk, AFS 1991:2), and parts of Hazardous Waste, AFS 1989:2, all of which are repealed as from the same date.

The Provisions apply to activities involving the use of biological agents, but also to other activities where risks to health and safety can be caused by a biological agent at work. Biological agents can, for example, take the form of micro-organisms, cell cultures or human endoparasites, but also components of or substances produced by such agents, such as endotoxin.

The Provisions contain general rules for all activities where microbiological work environment risks are liable to occur. This can, in addition to deliberate use, happen wherever the unwanted growth of a biological agent is possible. Preconditions for such growth include moisture, organic material and a suitable temperature. General rules contained in the Provisions include the stipulation of risk assessment leading to suitable measures, such as prevention of unwanted growth, limitation of spread, decontamination, or use or personal protective equipment.

The Provisions also include additional rules applying to particular fields, e.g. laboratory activity, use of a biological agent for production purposes, or activities involving a risk of infection. The additional rules for the use of biological agents in laboratories, in animal experiments and in large-scale production specify safety precautions on 4 biosafety levels which to a great extent have been harmonised with the counterparts for contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs).

Further readings

• Respiratory protective devices and surgical masks for situations involving infection risks.
• Protection from avian influenza in connection with work potentially involving contact with infected animals.
• Information relating to emergency planning for outbreaks of avian influenza