Biosafety and biosecurity in health laboratories : report of a regional workshop, Pune, India, 8-11 July 2008

Abstract

Handling infectious micro-organisms remains a source of infection, and even mortality, among laboratory workers. Incidents of secondary transmission of disease to the public at large, which may be due to possible contamination of the environment or personnel, are also possible. This report describes in brief proceedings of a Regional Workshop on Biosafety and Biosecurity in Health Laboratories which was held in Pune, India in July 2008. The workshop was aimed to advocate for and introduce the concept and approach to minimize or prevent the occurrence and consequences of human error within the laboratory environment, as well as the bio-risk management approach, composed of biosafety, laboratory biosecurity and ethical responsibility by: (‎1)‎Reducing the risk of unintentional exposure to pathogens and toxins or their accidental release (‎biosafety)‎, and reducing the risk of unauthorized access, loss, theft, misuse, diversion or intentional release of micro-organisms (‎laboratory biosecurity)‎; (‎2)‎Providing assurance, internally and externally (‎facility, local area, government, global community, etc.)‎, that suitable measures have been adopted and effectively implemented; and (‎3)‎Providing a framework for continuous awareness-raising for biosafety, laboratory biosecurity an ethical code of conduct, and training within the facility.