Control measure
Manage risk from biological hazards
Control measure knowledge
When the presence of biological hazards at an incident has been identified as a risk the incident commander should consider requesting expert advice from Hazardous Materials Adviser (HMA) and reclassifying the incident as hazardous materials. Where minor risks can be isolated from personnel or other measures implemented that adequately control the risk other operational activities may be conducted safely.
Whenever possible unnecessary contact with biological hazards should be avoided and clinical waste storage and transportation arrangements should be considered for contaminated clothing and equipment.
Routes of exposure should be considered when identifying control measures:
- Inhalation: Establishing good ventilation and selecting respiratory protective equipment appropriate to the hazard are key control measures.
- Absorption: Avoid skin contact with the hazard and wear PPE that prevents contact including protective gloves (first aid type) and eye protection. Strict hygiene procedures should be established including welfare facilities, antibacterial wash or wipes.
- Ingestion: In areas of likely contamination the risk of ingestion can be reduced through the avoidance of eating, drinking and smoking.
- Injection: Exposure can occur when a sharp object punctures the skin; this could be a rusty nail, a discarded hypodermic needle or an animal sting. Where exposure cannot be avoided by reduction or isolation, PPE that provides protection from injection should be considered.
For decontamination procedures see National Operational Guidance: Hazardous materials.
Strategic actions
Fire and rescue services should:
Ensure personnel are aware of the risks presented by the presence of biological hazards and understand the associated safe systems of work
Have suitable arrangements for the disposal of clinical waste
Consider providing suitable equipment to mitigate the hazards presented by biohazards such as disposable gloves, barrier cream and suitable hygiene facilities
Consider recording the presence of biological hazards (biohazards) in SSRIs
Tactical actions
Incident commanders should:
- Consider handing responsibility for the incident to another agency (e.g. police or an environmental agency)
- Seek advice from on-site specialist or a hazardous materials adviser (HMA)
Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
Consider decontamination following exposure of personnel to biological hazards
- Consider the risk of exposure to contaminated sharps, especially in high risk environments
Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Identify potential sources of biological contamination (e.g. waste from sanitary conveniences)
All personnel should:
- Declare to the service or incident commander any allergies that could give rise to anaphylactic shock
Ensure open wounds, cuts and grazes are covered by a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
TRAINING SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and understanding
| Control measure element | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
Managing risks from biological hazards |
Understand:
Refer to Hazardous Materials – Health Hazards training specification |
Practical application
| Control measure element | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
Identify, control and report situations involving risks associated with biological hazards |
Demonstrate the ability to:
Refer to National Operational Guidance – Hazardous materials training specification |
- HazardBiological hazards
- HazardChemical hazards