Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)RegulationsHazardous Biological Agents RegulationsAnnexure E : Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations |
[Regulations 15(2) and 16(a) and (b)]
The measures contained in this Annexure shall be applied according to the nature of the activities, the assessment of risk and the nature of the HBA concerned.
A. Containment Measures |
B. Containment Levels |
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Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
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1. |
The workplace is to be separated from any other activities in the same building |
No |
Recommended |
Yes |
2. |
Input air and extract air in the workplace are to be filtered using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter or likewise. |
No |
Yes, or extract air and safe discharge of air |
Yes, on input and extract air and safe discharge of air |
3. |
Access is to be restricted to authorised persons only. |
Recommended |
Yes |
Yes, via airlock |
4. |
The workplace should be sealable in order to permit disinfection. |
No |
Recommended |
Yes |
5. |
Specified disinfection procedures. |
Yes. |
Yes |
Yes |
6. |
The workplace is to be maintained at an air pressure negative to atmosphere. |
No |
Recommended |
Yes |
7. |
Efficient vector control, e.g. rodents and insects. |
Recommended |
Yes |
Yes |
8. |
Surfaces impervious to water and easy to clean. |
Yes, for bench |
Yes, for bench and floor |
Yes, for bench, walls, floor and ceiling |
9. |
Surfaces resistant to acids, alkalis, disinfectants. |
Recommended |
Yes |
Yes |
10. |
Safe storage of a biological agent. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes, secure storage |
11. |
An observation window or alternative is to be present so that occupants can be seen. |
Recommended |
Recommended |
Yes |
12. |
A laboratory is to contain own equipment. |
No |
Recommended |
Yes |
13. |
Infected material, including any animal, is to be handled in a safety cabinet or isolator or other suitable container. |
Where appropriate |
Yes, where infection is by airborne route |
Yes |
14. |
Incinerator for disposal of animal carcasses. |
Recommended |
Yes (available) |
Yes, on site |