How should environmental samples be handled in accordance with the BioStoffV? – Part 1

Environmental samples have long been collected and analyzed as part of research projects. However, they are primarily used in microbiological and environmental testing laboratories. Since biological substances are present in environmental samples, this may require protective measures for employees. AGCT Genetic Engineering. Report from 31.10.2022 We were able to demonstrate that environmental samples may be transported and destroyed within S2 laboratories, even if organisms belonging to risk group (RG) 3 are accidentally found in them. This AGCT genetic engineering report The series aims to demonstrate how unknown environmental samples should be classified with regard to risk assessment.

Part 1 deals with activities involving environmental samples that usually fall under protection level 1.

The vast majority of sample materials from the environment (water, soil, sediments, air, etc.) are considered non-infectious, even if they may contain RG 2 biological agents to a certain extent (4.4.2 para. 1 sentence 1 TRBA 100). This is due to the usually low infectious dose in the samples and the natural Human immune system . Activities with these materials can generally be carried out under protection level 1 conditions according to No. 5.1 TRBA 100 (4.4.2 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 TRBA 100). However, a distinction must be made as to whether activities at protection level 1 involve no or with hazards due to sensitizing or toxic effects, since biological agents can also have other harmful effects regardless of their infectious effect. These effects must be taken into account separately when determining suitable measures. References to corresponding properties can be found, among others, in TRBA/TRGS 406 (sensitizing substances for the respiratory tract) and TRBA 460 (fungi), 464 (parasites) and 466 (including bacteria) (4.1 Paragraph 4 TRBA 100).

At Activities without these hazards risk of infection for employees is unlikely. It is sufficient to continue laboratory operations in compliance with the Basic rules of good microbiological technique (GMT) ensure (5.2.1 TRBA 100). Activities involving these hazards However, a risk to employees is possible. As part of the risk assessment, additional protective measures to establish measures that minimize exposure (5.2.2 TRBA 100). These are measures that serve to minimize or prevent contact with biological agents and/or the formation of bioaerosols, such as the use of a microbiological safety cabinet (MSW) (4.5 Paragraph 2 TRBA 100).

The second part of the series deals with when activities involving environmental samples fall under protection level 2.