Biosecurity Challenges of the Global Expansion of High-Containment Biological Laboratories
Biosecurity Challenges of the Global Expansion of High-Containment Biological Laboratories

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-04-02

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 0309225752

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During July 10-13, 2011, 68 participants from 32 countries gathered in Istanbul, Turkey for a workshop organized by the United States National Research Council on Anticipating Biosecurity Challenges of the Global Expansion of High-containment Biological Laboratories. The United States Department of State's Biosecurity Engagement Program sponsored the workshop, which was held in partnership with the Turkish Academy of Sciences. The international workshop examined biosafety and biosecurity issues related to the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of high-containment biological laboratories- equivalent to United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention biological safety level 3 or 4 labs. Although these laboratories are needed to characterize highly dangerous human and animal pathogens, assist in disease surveillance, and produce vaccines, they are complex systems with inherent risks. Biosecurity Challenges of the Global Expansion of High-Containment Biological Laboratories summarizes the workshop discussion, which included the following topics: Technological options to meet diagnostic, research, and other goals; Laboratory construction and commissioning; Operational maintenance to provide sustainable capabilities, safety, and security; and Measures for encouraging a culture of responsible conduct. Workshop attendees described the history and current challenges they face in their individual laboratories. Speakers recounted steps they were taking to improve safety and security, from running training programs to implementing a variety of personnel reliability measures. Many also spoke about physical security, access controls, and monitoring pathogen inventories. Workshop participants also identified tensions in the field and suggested possible areas for action.

Oversight of High-Containment Biological Laboratories
Oversight of High-Containment Biological Laboratories

Author: Frank Gottron

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2009-12

Total Pages: 33

ISBN-13: 1437919375

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The fed. gov¿t. responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent anthrax attacks with increased focus on and funding for biodefense. High-containment labs. (HCL) play a critical role in the biodefense effort, offering the hope of better responses to an attack and a better understanding of the threat posed by bioterrorism. However, they also could increase the risk of a biological attack by serving as a potential source of materials or training. Policymakers have become increasingly interested in the oversight of these facilities following reports of accidents, regulatory noncompliance, and community resistance. A key task for policymakers is to define their goals for enhancing oversight of HCL. Illustrations

Responsible Research with Biological Select Agents and Toxins
Responsible Research with Biological Select Agents and Toxins

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-02-12

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 030914535X

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The effort to understand and combat infectious diseases has, during the centuries, produced many key advances in science and medicine-including the development of vaccines, drugs, and other treatments. A subset of this research is conducted with agents that, like anthrax, not only pose a severe threat to the health of humans, plants, and animals but can also be used for ill-intended purposes. Such agents have been listed by the government as biological select agents and toxins. The 2001 anthrax letter attacks prompted the creation of new regulations aimed at increasing security for research with dangerous pathogens. The outcome of the anthrax letter investigation has raised concern about whether these measures are adequate. Responsible Research with Biological Select Agents and Toxins evaluates both the physical security of select agent laboratories and personnel reliability measures designed to ensure the trustworthiness of those with access to biological select agents and toxins. The book offers a set of guiding principles and recommended changes to minimize security risk and facilitate the productivity of research. The book recommends fostering a culture of trust and responsibility in the laboratory, engaging the community in oversight of the Select Agent Program, and enhancing the operation of the Select Agent Program.

Biosafety in the Laboratory
Biosafety in the Laboratory

Author: Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1989-01-01

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 0309039754

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Biosafety in the Laboratory is a concise set of practical guidelines for handling and disposing of biohazardous material. The consensus of top experts in laboratory safety, this volume provides the information needed for immediate improvement of safety practices. It discusses high- and low-risk biological agents (including the highest-risk materials handled in labs today), presents the "seven basic rules of biosafety," addresses special issues such as the shipping of dangerous materials, covers waste disposal in detail, offers a checklist for administering laboratory safetyâ€"and more.

Laboratory Biosafety Manual
Laboratory Biosafety Manual

Author: World Health Organization

Publisher: World Health Organization

Published: 2004-12-28

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9789241546508

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This is the third edition of this manual which contains updated practical guidance on biosafety techniques in laboratories at all levels. It is organised into nine sections and issues covered include: microbiological risk assessment; lab design and facilities; biosecurity concepts; safety equipment; contingency planning; disinfection and sterilisation; the transport of infectious substances; biosafety and the safe use of recombinant DNA technology; chemical, fire and electrical safety aspects; safety organisation and training programmes; and the safety checklist.

Indo-U.S. Workshop on Challenges of Emerging Infections and Global Health Safety
Indo-U.S. Workshop on Challenges of Emerging Infections and Global Health Safety

Author: Indian National Science Academy

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2016-05-13

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 0309378699

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The United States and India have pledged to deepen the linkages between their people, their businesses, and their governments for the mutual benefit of both countries and for the promotion of global peace, stability, economic growth and prosperity. Both nations are now inclined to improve relations and cooperation, but the nations need specific actions that will yield progress and build confidence and momentum for further cooperation. The Indo-U.S. Workshop on Challenges of Emerging Infections and Global Health Safety, held in November 2014, encouraged scientists from both countries to examine global issues related to emerging and existing infections and global health safety, to share experience and approaches, and to identify opportunities for cooperation to improve practice and research in these areas. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

Ensuring National Biosecurity
Ensuring National Biosecurity

Author: Carole R Baskin

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2016-02-03

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0128018607

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Ensuring National Biosecurity: Institutional Biosafety Committees reviews the various responsibilities and associated challenges Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) face and proposes changes that may help improve this system and increase national biosecurity and worker safety. In recent years IBCs in academic and other institutions have been tasked with increasing levels of responsibility, overseeing work with recombinant genetic material and hazardous agents. IBC members often lack the training to effectively ensure that the work performed is truly safe for scientists and the general community, and so increasingly rely upon the expertise of the researchers themselves. With the proposed US dual-use research policies soon to be implemented, this strain may increase. This book provides readers with the necessary information to be able to enhance national biosecurity within the US, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and more. Ensuring National Biosecurity is as an invaluable reference for biosafety professionals or for researchers who need to understand the regulatory landscape that impacts their research. - Examines and assesses the current state of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) - Collates contributions from world-renowned experts in fields as diverse as research compliance, law and astrobiology - Reflects an international perspective on regulatory biosecurity and biosafety

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory
Prudent Practices in the Laboratory

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2011-03-25

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 0309211581

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Prudent Practices in the Laboratory-the book that has served for decades as the standard for chemical laboratory safety practice-now features updates and new topics. This revised edition has an expanded chapter on chemical management and delves into new areas, such as nanotechnology, laboratory security, and emergency planning. Developed by experts from academia and industry, with specialties in such areas as chemical sciences, pollution prevention, and laboratory safety, Prudent Practices in the Laboratory provides guidance on planning procedures for the handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals. The book offers prudent practices designed to promote safety and includes practical information on assessing hazards, managing chemicals, disposing of wastes, and more. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory will continue to serve as the leading source of chemical safety guidelines for people working with laboratory chemicals: research chemists, technicians, safety officers, educators, and students.

Potential Risks and Benefits of Gain-of-Function Research
Potential Risks and Benefits of Gain-of-Function Research

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2015-04-13

Total Pages: 131

ISBN-13: 0309367867

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On October 17, 2014, spurred by incidents at U.S. government laboratories that raised serious biosafety concerns, the United States government launched a one-year deliberative process to address the continuing controversy surrounding so-called "gain-of-function" (GOF) research on respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential. The gain of function controversy began in late 2011 with the question of whether to publish the results of two experiments involving H5N1 avian influenza and continued to focus on certain research with highly pathogenic avian influenza over the next three years. The heart of the U.S. process is an evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of certain types of GOF experiments with influenza, SARS, and MERS viruses that would inform the development and adoption of a new U.S. Government policy governing the funding and conduct of GOF research. Potential Risks and Benefits of Gain-of-Function Research is the summary of a two-day public symposia on GOF research. Convened in December 2014 by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council, the main focus of this event was to discuss principles important for, and key considerations in, the design of risk and benefit assessments of GOF research. Participants examined the underlying scientific and technical questions that are the source of current discussion and debate over GOF research involving pathogens with pandemic potential. This report is a record of the presentations and discussion of the meeting.