Biohazard Warnings

[Geri Cutcher]

Pursuantto OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), warning biohazard labels must be affixed to containers of regulated waste and other containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials. The standard requires that the biohazard symbol and legend be in a contrasting color to a fluorescent orange or orange-red background.

The Biohazard Warning Sign restricts laboratory access during work with biohazards, communicates the agents in use, and specifies entry and exit requirements. It is the responsibility of the principal investigator or supervisor to properly identify and restrict access to the laboratory and to notify emergency and support personnel of any hazards in the laboratory.

We have a variety of signs with different modes of mounting and installation. The wall is just one of the places Biohazard signs can be mounted on. Our offerings include a variety of signs to be placed around the facility, some of which are mentioned here -

Fluorescent biohazard labels are seen 75% quicker than conventional labels. Made from 2.2 mils thick fluorescent orange cast vinyl, labels are designed for safety and high visibility applications. The high gloss fluorescent finish attracts attention and enhances visibility even when seen against a visually complex background or by a distracted viewer.

Biosafety levels or BSL determine the protective measures required in a laboratory setting to protect workers, the environment, and the public against infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets BSL.

Moving upwards, Biosafety Level 2 signs are suitable for laboratories that have handwashing sinks, eye washing stations in case of accidents, and doors that automatically close and lock.

Double-sided Print: Projecting Biohazard signs are printed on two sides. Such signs are great for hallways where people are coming from either direction. Signs project from the surface at a right angle, and nobody can miss important information regarding Biohazards printed on these signs.

There are two designs available for the biohazard labels in a dispenser box. The 7/8" x 7/8" fluorescent biohazard paper labels come in a roll of 750 labels in the box while the rectangular 7/8" x 2.875" matte paper labels come in a roll of 500 labels in the box.

A biological hazard, or biohazard, is a biological substance that poses a threat (or is a hazard) to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This could include a sample of a microorganism, virus or toxin that can adversely affect human health. A biohazard could also be a substance harmful to other living beings.[a]

Biohazardous safety issues are identified with specified labels,[b] signs and paragraphs established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Today, ANSI Z535 standards for biohazards are used worldwide and should always be used appropriately within ANSI Z535 Hazardous Communications (HazCom) signage, labeling and paragraphs. The goal is to help workers rapidly identify the severity of a biohazard from a distance and through colour and design standardization.[citation needed]

DANGER is used to identify a biohazard that will cause death. WARNING is used to identify a biohazard that may cause death. CAUTION is used to identify a biohazard that will cause injury, but not death. NOTICE is used to identify a non-injury biohazard message (e.g. hygiene, cleanup or general lab policies).

OSHA requires the use of proper ANSI HazCom where applicable in American workplaces. States and local governments also use these standards as codes and laws within their own jurisdictions. Proper use of ANSI Z535 signs, labels and paragraphs are written into many of OSHA's standards for HazCom and crafted to integrate with ISO symbols.

The Biohazard Warning Sign restricts laboratory access during work with biohazards, communicates the agents in use, and specifies entry or exit requirements. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator or supervisor to properly identify and restrict access to the laboratory and to notify emergency and support personnel of any hazards in the laboratory.

The Biohazard Warning sign is posted in addition to the biohazard symbol on the permanently affixed caution sign next to laboratory entry doors. The Biohazard Warning Sign must be permanently affixed to entry doors of the following laboratories/rooms:

*BSL-2 with BSL-3 practices laboratories with approved decontamination procedures to lower containment to BSL-2 must follow the posting requirements in their laboratory-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs).

For BSL-2 laboratories, when work is complete, agents are secured, and surfaces are decontaminated, the Biohazard Warning Sign may be removed or turned over. Affix the Biohazard Warning Sign to entry doors in such a way that it can be easily removed or turned around (e.g., place sign in plastic cover). If the Biohazard Warning Sign is affixed to a BSL-2 laboratory door, support staff such as UW Facilities or Custodial Services will not enter.

BSL-2 is the default biosafety level. Use the dropdown arrow to select the appropriate biosafety level. For BSL-1, a Biohazard Warning Sign is not required unless specified by EH&S/IBC; the biohazard symbol on the permanently affixed UW Laboratory Entry Caution Sign next to laboratory entry doors is sufficient.

Anyone entering areas where biohazardous materials are used or stored must be aware of the potential hazards. The biohazard symbol must be on all entries to biohazardous material laboratories, containers, biological safety cabinets, infectious waste containers, freezers, refrigerators and other equipment where blood and other potentially infectious materials are used or stored.

Temporary signs (those that will be in place for less than one month) should be posted with tape on glass surfaces or on refrigerators, freezers, or entry doors. All temporary signs must be removed when the hazard no longer exists.

Human and Animal Biohazard Signage should be posted on doors to rooms where microorganisms or biological toxins known to cause disease in humans are used, such as microorganisms classified to be used in Biosafety Level 2 or 3 research activities. This signage should also be placed on doors to rooms containing animals infected with microorganisms that can cause disease in humans.

For collection of biohazard waste, not for autoclaving. Made of polyethylene, solid red with black biohazard warnings in English and Spanish, has the international biohazard symbol, meets OSHA requirements, passed the 165gm dart impact test.

Know the hazards associated with the materials you use! Always review chemical safety information, such as an SDS or other resource, before starting work with a new or unfamiliar chemical.

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) provide chemical-specific information, including chemical, physical, and toxicological properties, along with suggestions for storing, using, transporting, and disposing of chemicals. Current regulations require that all SDSs follow the same format (see OSHA Safety Data Sheet information). SDSs should be consulted as a first step in assessing risk associated with a new experiment or product.

The UC Office of the President maintains a web page (ehs.ucop.edu/sds) for chemical information, including a custom Google search for Safety Data Sheets, a link to the RightAnswer chemical information system (see below), and other useful sources.

UC Safety Data Sheet Resources

Chemical-specific hazard, toxicological, medical, and environmental information can be found through the RightAnswer online information system. The UC Office of the President has obtained a site license for this excellent resource, and it is available to all main UC sites with UC IP addresses. You will need to register when you use the system for the first time, but you will not need to pay. Contact EH&S at (831) 459-2553 or e...@ucsc.edu for assistance or questions.

Laboratory spaces where designated biological, chemical, or radiological materials are used or where potential physical hazards exist are posted with warning signs. Researchers, staff, and visitors should note and understand hazard communication information provided on the warning signs, including specific hazardous agents (biological, chemical, radiological) and physical hazards (lasers, magnetic fields) present and used in the space, stated precautions (no food or drink allowed), and required personal protective equipment (lab coat, eye protection, gloves, etc.).

The GHS (Globally Harmonized System) symbols were developed by the United Nations as a world-wide standardized system for the classification and labeling of chemicals. Click here to view the GHS symbols.

The biological hazard warning is used to identify locations, equipment or materials where infectious agents may create a health risk. It is used to identify specific equipment, containers, rooms, and waste items that are known or potentially contaminated with biohazardous materials.

All areas where radioactive materials or x-rays are used are posted with this symbol. The symbol also identifies specific equipment, containers, rooms, and items that contain, or are potentially contaminated, with radioactive material.

The laser warning sign indicates the presence of a laser with enough power to cause injury to your eyes or skin. Do Not Enter a room with this symbol unless you are sure the laser is off. Do Not Enter a room if you cannot determine if the laser is on or off from the lighted warning sign outside of the lab.

Rooms or areas within rooms that contain high voltage equipment are posted with this warning sign. These areas can present significant hazards should a flood or water leak occur. Do not work on or handle open wiring or open devices that may be energized.

Individuals with pacemakers, other medical electronic devices or metallic implants MUST STAY OUT of areas with this warning sign. This warning sign is common in rooms with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machines.

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