List of Biological Safety Hazards

When discussing hazards, many people think of the obvious: slips, trips and falls caused by cluttered or slippery floors or maybe the risk of crushing by heavy machinery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined four levels of biohazards. Although workers in only a few industries are regularly exposed to biohazards, severe contamination or infection can lead to death. The importance and impact of biohazards must not be underestimated.

Level One Biohazards

• Level one biohazards consist of bacteria and other microorganisms. Bacteria are common biological safety hazards, as they can be transmitted from person to person either through the air (for example, from a sneeze) or via skin contact. The long-term risk to health from many bacterial infections is quite low, and bacterial infection can often be prevented simply by using gloves or a mask. In a laboratory, items that are populated with potentially harmful bacteria are disposed of in a separate trash container.

Level Two Biohazards

• Level two biohazards include viruses and more severe forms of bacteria, which can have a longer effect on human health. These biohazards often render a person unable to carry out his usual daily functions for a few days. Examples of viral and bacterial infections include measles, influenza, and salmonella poisoning. If you are working in the vicinity of these hazards, you should exercise greater care when handling contaminated items; use hand, eye and body protection.

Level Three Biohazards

• Some strains and species of virus are even more harmful to humans, and these comprise level three biohazards. Conditions and diseases such as malaria and typhus can be fatal, if untreated, and anyone working with these biohazards must be specifically trained in proper handling. Full body suits, as well as gloves, eye protection and masks, must be worn at all times.

Level Four Biohazards

• Level four biohazards are those that are the most severe and life-threatening and have no known treatments; they are often fatal. Biohazards in this category include the Ebola virus and dengue fever. Anyone working in the vicinity of these diseases must wear an airtight Hazmat suit and have an independent oxygen supply.