Biosafety culture
Biorisk management requires an organizational culture that ensures biosafety, biosecurity and biocontainment of biological agents and biotoxins, in addition to conducting science in a responsible manner, complying with relevant laws, guidelines and policies, as well as emphasizing the norms, values and beliefs of life science professionals.
In response to the need to regulate and improve the biorisk management at the UAB, the Governing Council on October 31, 2003, approved the creation, composition and operation of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) of the UAB and its regulations. The main objective of IBC is to support teaching and scientific research carried out in its own facilities in order to eliminate or reduce to a sufficiently low level the risks associated with biological agents.
1. Leadership and commitment: management must promote it by establishing clear policies and providing the necessary material and technical resources.
2. Personal responsibility: we must all follow biosafety guidelines and report any safety issues that are identified.
3. Regulatory compliance: it is essential to comply with applicable legislation and internal biosafety standards.
4. Training: people who work with biological materials must receive adequate training that allows them to identify risks and be aware of applicable biosafety measures.
5. Biosafety protocols: they must be rigorous and enforced.
6. Risk awareness: which involves the identification of biological agents and a thorough understanding of the risks associated with the activities being performed.
7. Documentation and record keeping: including comprehensive inventory records, risk assessment of experimental procedures, biosafety inspections and staff training.
8. Effective communication: sharing information on risks, biosafety measures and incident response procedures.
9. Bioethics: accountability in research, management of conflicts of interest and consideration of the ethical implications of research are an important part.
10. Continuous improvement: which implies the commitment to regularly review biosafety policies and procedures, carry out risk assessments and inspections and stay up to date with advances in biosafety.
11. Emergency response: preparedness for emergency situations, such as biohazardous spills or accidental exposures, is essential, and requires well-defined and implemented response plans and instructions.
12. Risk and incident/accident reporting: it is essential to foster a culture where people feel comfortable reporting risks or incidents because it allows biosafety issues to be addressed proactively.
13. Sustainability and environmental protection: in addition to human safety, it is necessary to consider environmental protection and responsible management of biological waste.