Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Risk is the likelihood of an undesirable event, involving a specific hazard that has consequences.
• Implementing Risk Assessment is a requirement for ISO 15189, 15190, and 17025.
• Common types of health hazards in the workplace are Chemical (asbestos, solvents, chlorine),
• The key elements to classify the SARS-CoV-2 in Risk Group 3 and not Risk Group 4 are:
• the moderate fatality rate  
• the fact that SARS-CoV-2 seems not to be transmitted by aerosols (WHO, Consensus document, 2003).
• The key elements to classify the SARS-CoV-2 in Risk Group 3 and not Risk Group 2 are:
• the moderate fatality rate and,
• the unknowns, such as infectious dose, natural reservoir(s), and vector(s).
• Five-step approach to the risk assessment process:

1. Identify agent hazards and perform an initial assessment of risk.
2. Identify laboratory procedure hazards.
3. Make a final determination of the appropriate BSL and select additional precautions indicated by the risk assessment.
4. Evaluate the proficiencies of staff regarding safe practices and the integrity of safety equipment
5. Review the risk assessment with a biosafety professional, subject matter expert, and the IBC or NCAH Safety Committee.