Handling sensitizing substances in the genetic laboratory

When conducting genetic engineering work in a genetic engineering laboratory, it is important to ensure compliance with the relevant provisions of genetic engineering regulations. However, when using hazardous or biological substances with sensitizing effects, additional aspects may need to be observed. First of all, it is crucial that a list of the substances with a sensitizing effect is compiled during the risk assessment. Relevant information on this can be found in both the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS; here: TRGS 907) and the Technical Rules for Biological Agents (TRBA; here: TRBA 460 for activities involving fungi and TRBA 464 for activities involving parasites). TRBA/TREGS 406 also lists sensitizing substances for the respiratory tract. When handling sensitizing substances, a substitution test must first be conducted to determine whether the hazard associated with the respective substances can be reduced simply by replacing them with a less hazardous substance. If substitution is not possible, technical, organizational, and personal protective measures must be implemented. It should be examined whether the planned activities can be carried out in a closed system or under an extraction device such as a workbench. According to the ZKBS statement (ref. 6790-07-50), activities involving the formation of aerosols or the use of GMOs (from risk class 1 with sensitizing effects) must be carried out under a workbench. This can be a product protection workbench with vertical airflow. However, it must be ensured that the exhaust air does not escape unfiltered and that employee exposure is minimized. Alternatively, safety workbenches with personal protection must be used, or personal protective equipment must be adapted (e.g., respiratory protection). Furthermore, care must be taken to avoid air turbulence to prevent the hazardous substances from spreading to other workplaces. Therefore, when arranging workstations, care must be taken to ensure that there is little movement of the room air. Used storage containers for sensitizing substances must be tightly closed. Personal protective equipment includes protective clothing and gloves, as well as suitable respiratory protection if necessary. With regard to the disposal of sensitizing substances, it should be noted that the potential for sensitization may still exist after a conventional autoclaving process. Appropriate protective measures must also be applied during the subsequent disposal process.