Biosafety situation in research, development and clinical laboratories of Argentina.

STANGANELLI C.; CANALEJO K; COSTA H.; NARBAITZ M.; SALAMONE G.; AUSTIN J.; GOLDSTEIN DE FINK S

Joinville, SC

Congreso; VII Congresso Brasileiro de Biossegurança; 2011

Associaçao Nacional de Biossegurança (ANBIO)

Biosafety has been considered a public health issue by the World Health Organization Assembly (WHA59, 2005). In order to evaluate the situation of laboratories in Argentina, 85 students participating from Laboratory Biosafety Courses were asked to reply to a survey on Biosafety/Biosecurity subjects. Thirty representative questions were chosen for this report. Over 75% keep locked dangerous goods or costly equipments, have washing basins in the lab, use disposable plastic items and restrict needles and syringes. Sixty to 75% have personal protection elements, equipment decontamination procedures prior to maintenance, organized waste management, periodic check ups of safety cabinets, fume hoods and autoclaves, and exit signaling and lightening. Fifty to 59% limit combustibles inside the laboratory, get special indications for fertile age women and have first aid boxes, fire alarm systems, an immunization program and sterilization procedures check up. Forty to 49% have enough working space, eye washing equipment and perform risk evaluation. Thirty three percent periodically decontaminate centrifuges. Between 29 and 26% have safe storage areas and emergency showers. Only 20% keep accidents and diseases records. Thirty six % are trained in Biosafety and chemical spills, 52% in fire emergency, 54% in biological spills and 49% as first aiders.Substitution of glass for plastic material and availability of protective clothing and elements are among the best solved issues, while registration of accidents or work-related illness among the worst. Even though economical resources are required to improve the present laboratory situation, practices and organization changes may improve the described conditions without further costs.