Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)

Regulations

Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations

Annexure E : Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations

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[Regulations 15(2) and 16(a) and (b)]

The measures contained in this Annexure shall be applied according to the nature of the activities, the assessment of risk and the nature of the HBA concerned.

A. Containment Measures		B. Containment Levels
A. Containment Measures		Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
1.	The workplace is to be separated from any other activities in the same building	No	Recommended	Yes
2.	Input air and extract air in the workplace are to be filtered using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter or likewise.	No	Yes, or extract air and safe discharge of air	Yes, on input and extract air and safe discharge of air
3.	Access is to be restricted to authorised persons only.	Recommended	Yes	Yes, via airlock
4.	The workplace should be sealable in order to permit disinfection.	No	Recommended	Yes
5.	Specified disinfection procedures.	Yes.	Yes	Yes
6.	The workplace is to be maintained at an air pressure negative to atmosphere.	No	Recommended	Yes
7.	Efficient vector control, e.g. rodents and insects.	Recommended	Yes	Yes
8.	Surfaces impervious to water and easy to clean.	Yes, for bench	Yes, for bench and floor	Yes, for bench, walls, floor and ceiling
9.	Surfaces resistant to acids, alkalis, disinfectants.	Recommended	Yes	Yes
10.	Safe storage of a biological agent.	Yes	Yes	Yes, secure storage
11.	An observation window or alternative is to be present so that occupants can be seen.	Recommended	Recommended	Yes
12.	A laboratory is to contain own equipment.	No	Recommended	Yes
13.	Infected material, including any animal, is to be handled in a safety cabinet or isolator or other suitable container.	Where appropriate	Yes, where infection is by airborne route	Yes
14.	Incinerator for disposal of animal carcasses.	Recommended	Yes (available)	Yes, on site