Biological Hazards
Biological hazards consist of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other living organisms that can cause both acute and chronic infections. These hazards can enter the body directly or through breaks in the skin.
Biological hazards are commonly found in laboratories, clinics, and healthcare settings. Workers in occupations that involve plants, animals, animal products, food, or food processing may also be exposed. Laboratory and medical personnel, as well as anyone who comes into contact with bodily fluids, face potential risks from these hazards.
In occupations involving animals, controlling biological hazards requires preventing and managing diseases in the animal population, as well as properly handling infected animals. Maintaining good personal hygiene, particularly careful attention to minor cuts and scratches on the hands and forearms, helps minimize the risk to workers.
Workers exposed to biological hazards should consistently practice proper personal hygiene, including regular handwashing. In healthcare settings, additional controls such as adequate ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), infectious waste disposal systems, and isolation procedures for highly contagious diseases like tuberculosis are essential to reduce exposure risks.