2.1.4 Procedures

  • All procedures must be performed in such a way as to minimize or prevent the formation of aerosols and droplets (see Box 2).
  • Mouth pipetting must be strictly prohibited.
  • No materials should be placed in the mouth. All labels used in the laboratory must be self-adhesive.
  • The use of needles and syringes should be limited, and they should never be used as a substitute for pipetting.
  • Written documentation that may be removed from the laboratory must be protected from contamination
  • All contaminated materials, specimens and cultures must be decontaminated appropriately before disposal or cleaning for reuse.
  • All accidents, spills and potential exposures to infectious materials must be reported to the laboratory manager. Records of such incidents and corrective actions taken need to be maintained for future prevention.
  • Standard operating procedure for handling accidents and spills must be developed and be available in the laboratory. Practical training must be provided at least annually to ensure the procedure is adopted and becomes an automatic response.
  • Packing and transportation of samples must follow applicable national or international regulations.
  • Standard operating procedures must be developed and staff trained to be competent in their use. Manuals explaining the procedures must be readily available in different parts of the laboratory. Procedures should be reviewed annually. Standard operating procedures should include details of risk assessments, and the mitigation and control measures identified and implemented.

 How to minimize the production of aerosols

Book navigation