CONCLUSION

The potential threat of infection in the laboratory has long been recognized by the medical microbiological community as an ever-present occupational hazard.  Published reports of the occurrence of laboratory-acquired infections have served as reminders that the potential can easily become an actuality.  They have pointed out the need for unremitting adherence to appropriate precautionary measures.  Only in recent years have we come to appreciate the magnitude of the problem of laboratory-acquired infections and the many factors, both human and environmental, that may be involve .

It is a crucial that management that management provide laboratory facilities that are commensurate with the requirement for the work to be conducted in a safe manner.

As indicated previously, considerable information has been accumulated that clearly indicated that nearly all routine laboratory procedures are capable of producing aerosols. 

Any operation that generates a significant aerosol or involves a human, animal, or plant pathogen, or some other agent that could disrupt the environment if inadvertently released, should be contained within safety equipment or facilities. 

These containment systems must be subjected to periodic inspection and certification to assure proper function.

In the laboratory, the procedures used should be appropriate for the highest level of risk to which personnel, the experiment, and the environment will be subjected.  Such an approach will avoid multiple practices and the constant retraining of personnel.

Physical containment is dependent upon the safety awareness and the techniques of the investigative staff, the availability and proper use of safety equipment, and the design of the laboratory or facility.

It should be recognized that physical controls alone cannot create a facility that is safe. 

Containment is achieved through the combination of equipment, engineering features, and the scrupulous adherence to good laboratory or facility practices.  Poor practices can override the protection provided by equipment and facility design and place all personnel in jeopardy. 

Poor practices relate to more than simple poor technique or bad technique (e.g. sonication on an open bench).

Poor practice also includes rushing through activities without thinking, being easily distracted or constantly distracting one's colleagues, working alone at night, or even worse working alone at night and feeling ill or tired. 

The effect of these practices should not be underestimated;  too many of the exposures to infectious materials occur under these conditions.

Remember:  Most experts believe that 90% of all accidents can be avoided.