SARS-Coronaviruses and Highly Pathogenic Influenza Viruses

Section 1: Required laboratory documentation for recognition of an event

Procedures at several levels will ensure that there is available a clear record of activities with infectious viruses and that laboratory accidents and potential exposures, collectively referred to as "events", are well documented and appropriately communicated.

1.1 Documenting events

1.1.1 All individuals entering the BSL-3 laboratory must record date and time of entry and exit on the log sheet as well as a short description of the work performed indicating that there were no breaks of protocol or equipment failures recognized during the session. The entry must also note the occasions of entry when no work with infectious material was performed.

1.1.2 As far as possible, work with infectious virus will be performed in the BSL-3 laboratory with two personnel present. On some occasions, it may be necessary to work alone, but this is only permissible for highly experienced individuals (as determined by the Principal Investigator). Whenever possible, a responsible individual should be informed of their work plan.

1.1.3 All events, however minor, must be documented in an Event Log, which will be maintained in the accessible entry area of the BSL-3 laboratory. Events will include small spills in the biological safety cabinet or a vessel breakage within the biological safety cabinet while wearing personal protective equipment. These minor events should be reported to the Supervisor/Principal Investigator upon completion of the work. See Section 1.1.4 for exposure events.

1.1.4 An exposure event is defined as any laboratory event that creates a potential for exposure to SARS-CoV or HPI virus including, but not limited to, all uncontained releases, occupational exposures, and equipment failures in the laboratory. Examples of exposure events include a spill of infectious material outside the biological safety cabinet, tube leakage in a centrifuge, splashes to mucous membranes, needle stick, and power failure of a biological safety cabinet. Such events should result in termination of the work, personal decontamination, and exit from the contaminated area. The event will be recorded in the Event Log and reported to the Supervisor/Principal Investigator immediately upon personal decontamination and exit from the contaminated area.

1.1.5 Personal decontamination may include removal of contaminated clothing, thorough scrubbing and rinsing of known contaminated body surfaces, determined by the nature and extent of the contamination.