Practical guidelines for evaluation of biological agents in occupational settings for occupational hygienists: identifying, monitoring, managing and documenting biological hazards at the workplace
report
Biological agents are often neglected. The aim of this study was to develop general guidelines for evaluation of biological agents in occupational settings for occupational hygienists. The hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) was investigated and adjusted to become a method for evaluation of biological agents at different workplaces / sectors / occupations. Two examples (veterinary clinics and animal farms) were worked using the adjusted HACCP method. Literature research was done to gather information on the exposure to biological agents, critical limits (cut-off values) for biological agents, monitoring / testing methods for biological agents and risk management measures. Additionally, four experts were interviewed in order to get more insight into the topic.
The adjusted HACCP method proved to be a helpful tool in evaluating biological agents at workplaces / sectors / occupations. Description of the work process was an essential part of the adjusted HACCP as it helped determining the ways employees come into contact with biological agents. The biological agents could be grouped based on for example indicators for the presence of biological agents, type of agent or associated physical hazards. This allowed a structured literature research and helped creating risk management methods. In addition, according to experts the best way to tackle biological agents at a workplace is the precautionary principle. By creating and following protocols the exposure to biological agents can be minimised. This study gives general guidelines on evaluating biological agents at workplaces / sectors / occupations. The adjusted HACCP method can be a tool in evaluating biological agents for a risk analysis and evaluation (RIE).
The adjusted HACCP method proved to be a helpful tool in evaluating biological agents at workplaces / sectors / occupations. Description of the work process was an essential part of the adjusted HACCP as it helped determining the ways employees come into contact with biological agents. The biological agents could be grouped based on for example indicators for the presence of biological agents, type of agent or associated physical hazards. This allowed a structured literature research and helped creating risk management methods. In addition, according to experts the best way to tackle biological agents at a workplace is the precautionary principle. By creating and following protocols the exposure to biological agents can be minimised. This study gives general guidelines on evaluating biological agents at workplaces / sectors / occupations. The adjusted HACCP method can be a tool in evaluating biological agents for a risk analysis and evaluation (RIE).
TNO Identifier
985522
Publisher
TNO
Collation
57 p.
Place of publication
Utrecht