Managing Laboratory Biorisk

Abstract

Managing the risks associated with laboratory use of biological agents is necessary to ensure the health and safety of laboratory personnel, the public, and the environment. Inadvertent or deliberate release of infectious materials risks the health of people, animals, or plants and can potentially undermine national and international security and stability. Effective management of the risks associated with laboratory use of biological agents is a process in which the components of the research environment associated with biological agents are examined to determine if they can cause harm, whether the appropriate precautions are in place to mitigate the harm, and, if not, to determine what additional steps are required. Application of risk mitigation measures must be based on a thorough assessment of risk, consistent with the specific risks at the facility and cost‐effective. Mitigation measures must not unduly impede life sciences research. This process of managing laboratory risk is the shared responsibility of all those engaged in the life sciences, including the researcher, institution, local community, national government, and international community.