Hazardous Biological Agents
Biological agents refer to micro-organisms, microbial by-products, cell or organic material with plant, animal, or human origin, including any which have been genetically modified. Exposure to these agents may cause infection, allergy, toxicity, or produce a hazard to human health.
Some organisms, including various types of mould and Legionella bacteria, are found in the natural and workplace environments. Several can spread from person to person, either directly or indirectly.
Health effects due to exposure:
• Infections,
• Occupational asthma,
• Sensitization,
• Allergic reactions,
• Systemic effects.
Types of exposure:
• Direct: whereby the employee works directly with the biological agent, such as with research facilities.
• Indirectly: whereby employees are exposed due to their work, such as healthcare workers exposed to blood borne viruses, and farmers exposed to animals with diseases that may also affect humans (zoonoses).
The requirement to manage and control hazardous building materials is not only a legal requirement, but a moral one.
Regulation and Standards:
- Occupational Health and Safety act, 1993, Act 85 of 1993.
- Regulations for Hazardous Biological Agents, 2022.