Bio Hazards

Question 1

What is COSHH

Answer 1

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

COSHH regulations 2002

Question 2

COSHH regulations 2002 defines biological agent as what.

Answer 2

A Micro- organism, cell structure or human endoparasite, whether or not genetically modified, which may cause infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health.

Question 3

Define biological hazard

Answer 3

An organism or by-product from an organism that is harmful or potentially harmful to other living things, primarily humans.

Eg, Bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, Protozoa, medical waste and the toxins it produces an be found in water, soil , plants, animals.

Question 4

Define Biological Risk

Answer 4

The Risk associated with Biohazards.

Risks of exposure range from mild allergic reaction to serious medical conditions or death.

Question 5

What are the 4 classes of biological hazard

Answer 5

• Bacteria (eg e-Coli, salmonella, legionella)
• Viruses ( Hep b&c, HIV)
• Protozoa (ringworm, Malaria)
• Fungi/spores (Aspergillus)

Question 6

What do the different coloured waste bags signify?

Answer 6

• Black= normal household waste not for clinical
• Yellow = All waste destined for incineration
• Yellow with Black stripe= (eg nursing home) should be incinerated but maybe sent to landfill
• Light blueor transparent with light blue “WASTE= waste autoclave.

Question 7

Describe Colour coding for Hospital linen.

Answer 7

• Red (or White with red band) = Foul or infected linen.

* White (or clear plastic)= soiled linen.

Question 8

How may biological materials enter the body and how may we protect against them.

Answer 8

1, Ingestion. RPE, good hygiene
2/ inhalation = BA
3/ injection = full PPE. May enter via existing wounds. Full dry suit if level 2 water rescue
4/ Absorbtion ( passing through skin without breaking skin). Full PPE increasing to CPS

Question 9

Bio incident en-route actions

Answer 9

Wind direction 
Gradient
Adjacent risks (eg SSSIs)
Initial cordons 
RVP
Also  brief crews 1/to keep away (eg from stagnant water 2/cover cuts.3/ disposable gloves inside ff gloves 4/ be vigilant 5/ clean equipment at scene.

Question 10

Bio incident on arrival tactics

Answer 10

• Park upwind uphill outside initial cordon.
• Steps 123-plus
• Priority “biohazard involved”
• message location of RVP
• HMEPO on PDA for Level 2. Consider requesting HMEPO for biohazard advice for other incidents where they may exist

Question 11

Biohazard: what actions should be taken if biohazards enter sewage or drainage systems

Answer 11

1/ Priority notify EA and Water Authorities.
2/ contain all runoff for 1st hour until liaison set up between HMEPO and EA
3/ use grab packs ( all Ps and PLs) and large spill kits ( OSUs)