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

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