One of the fundamental steps in the assessment of biological risk is the detailed analysis of all the work processes and activities to be carried out in the laboratory, in order to determine the possible hazards, the sources of contamination and their characteristics. Knowing at what point or moment of the activity the pollutant is generated or exposure may occur is essential in order to be able to assess the magnitude of the risk and the suitability of the preventive measures necessary to control it.
The conclusions obtained from this analysis must be detailed in biosafety standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), specifying the most appropriate techniques, equipment and measures to avoid or minimise exposure or release of biological agents into the environment.
SOPs must be in writing and research staff must be familiar with them, be trained in the most appropriate techniques and carry out their tasks according to the principles contained in them. It is important that their effectiveness is regularly checked (safety inspections, planned observations of the work) and that they are updated and adapted to the research project. Therefore, they need to be reviewed when the project changes or the activities to be developed change over time.
Here you will find some basic guidelines that you can use as a model from which you can personalise and adapt to your reality and particularity in order to draft your SOPs. If you require supplemental information, please contact the CBSUB or via cbsub@ub.edu.