Biosafety Definitions

Administrative Controls
Policies, procedures, work practices, scheduling, and training measures implemented to reduce or prevent exposure to workplace hazards. Administrative controls are used to help minimize risk when hazards cannot be completely eliminated.

Aerosol
Tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in the air that may contain biological materials, chemicals, or other contaminants. Aerosols may be inhaled and can contribute to the spread of infectious agents.

Autoclave
A device that uses high-pressure saturated steam to sterilize equipment, materials, and biological waste. Autoclaves are commonly used in laboratories to destroy microorganisms and reduce the risk of contamination and exposure.

Bioaerosol
Airborne particles that contain or are associated with biological materials such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins, or allergens. Bioaerosols may be generated during laboratory procedures or other activities involving biological materials.

Biohazard
A biological material or agent that has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, plants, or the environment. Biohazards may include infectious agents, contaminated materials, or biological toxins.

Biological Agent
A microorganism, virus, toxin, or other biological substance capable of causing disease, infection, or other harmful effects in humans, animals, plants, or the environment.

Biological Hazard
A biological substance or condition that may pose a risk to human health, animal health, or the environment. Biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, fungi, bloodborne pathogens, or contaminated biological materials.

Biological Indicator
A test system containing viable microorganisms used to verify the effectiveness of sterilization processes, such as autoclave performance monitoring.

Biological Material
Any material originating from humans, animals, plants, microorganisms, or other living sources. Biological materials may include blood, tissues, cultures, body fluids, or laboratory specimens.

Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC)
A ventilated laboratory workspace designed to provide personnel, environmental, and product protection when working with biological materials. Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) use HEPA-filtered airflow to help contain aerosols and contaminants.

Biological Waste
Waste containing or contaminated with biological materials that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. Biological waste may include cultures, contaminated PPE, sharps, tissues, or other regulated biological materials.

Biosafety
The application of safety principles, practices, controls, and containment measures intended to reduce exposure to biological hazards and help protect personnel, the public, and the environment.

Biosafety Level (BSL)
Biosafety Levels (BSLs) are laboratory safety classifications used to help protect personnel, the community, and the environment from biological hazards. Each biosafety level establishes specific containment practices, safety equipment, facility design requirements, and operational controls based on the type of biological agents being handled and the associated level of risk.

Biosafety Program
A coordinated system of policies, procedures, training, and safety practices designed to help protect personnel, the public, and the environment from exposure to biological hazards associated with laboratory and research activities.

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)
Microorganisms present in human blood or other potentially infectious materials that can cause disease in humans. Examples may include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

BMBL (Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories)
A guidance document published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that provides biosafety principles, laboratory practices, and containment recommendations for work involving biological materials.

BSL-1
Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) is the basic level of containment used for work involving biological agents not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adults. Standard microbiological practices are typically sufficient for BSL-1 laboratories.

BSL-2
Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) is a level of containment used for work involving biological agents that may pose moderate hazards to personnel or the environment. Additional safety measures include biosafety training, restricted access, exposure controls, and the use of biological safety cabinets (BSCs) when needed.

Certification
The documented process of verifying that a person, piece of equipment, or system meets established standards, specifications, or performance requirements. In biosafety, certification commonly applies to Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), autoclaves, and personnel qualifications.

Chain of Custody
A documented process that tracks the handling, transfer, storage, and possession of samples or materials from collection through final disposition to maintain integrity and accountability.

Chemical Disinfectant
A chemical agent used to destroy or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces, equipment, or materials. Common disinfectants include bleach solutions, alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Compliance
Adherence to applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and institutional requirements related to biosafety and laboratory operations.

Compressed Gas
A gas stored under pressure in cylinders or containers. Compressed gases may present physical, chemical, fire, explosion, or health hazards depending on the gas type.

Contamination
The presence of unwanted biological, chemical, or hazardous substances on surfaces, equipment, materials, or individuals that may create a health or safety risk.

Contact Time
The amount of time a disinfectant must remain visibly wet on a surface to effectively destroy or inactivate microorganisms according to manufacturer recommendations.

Corrective Action
Steps taken to eliminate the cause of a hazard, incident, deficiency, or non-compliance in order to prevent recurrence and improve safety performance.

Cross-Contamination
The unintentional transfer of biological, chemical, or hazardous materials from one surface, sample, person, or area to another.

Cryogenic Materials
Extremely cold substances, such as liquid nitrogen or dry ice, capable of causing cold burns, frostbite, pressure buildup, or oxygen displacement hazards.

Culture (Microbiological)
The intentional growth of microorganisms, cells, or biological agents in controlled laboratory conditions for research, testing, or diagnostic purposes.

Custodial Personnel
Employees responsible for cleaning, sanitation, waste handling, and facility maintenance activities who may encounter biological, chemical, or physical hazards during their work duties.

Decontamination
The process of removing, neutralizing, or destroying biological, chemical, or hazardous contaminants from surfaces, equipment, materials, or individuals to reduce the risk of exposure or spread.

Disinfectant
A chemical or physical agent used to destroy or inactivate harmful microorganisms on surfaces or equipment. Disinfectants are selected based on the target organism, surface compatibility, and required contact time.

Disinfection
The process of using chemical or physical methods to destroy or inactivate most harmful microorganisms on surfaces, equipment, or materials. Disinfection does not necessarily eliminate all microbial forms, such as bacterial spores.

Disinfection Log
A documented record used to track cleaning and disinfection activities, including the date, time, location, disinfectant used, contact time, and individual performing the task.

Disposal
The proper handling, treatment, and removal of waste materials in accordance with applicable safety procedures, regulations, and environmental requirements.

Disposal Procedures
Established methods and requirements for safely collecting, handling, treating, labeling, storing, and disposing of biological, chemical, or hazardous waste materials.

Doffing (PPE Removal)
The safe removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a manner that minimizes contamination and reduces the risk of exposure to hazardous materials.

Donning (PPE Application)
The process of properly putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) before beginning work activities involving potential hazards or exposures.

Emergency Eyewash
A safety device designed to immediately flush the eyes with water following exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological materials, or other irritants to help reduce injury and contamination.

Engineering Controls
Physical or mechanical systems used to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards at the source. Examples include Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), ventilation systems, fume hoods, and sharps safety devices.

Exposure
Contact with a biological, chemical, physical, or radiological hazard through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, injection, or other means that may result in harm or adverse health effects.

Exposure Control
Measures implemented to prevent or minimize contact with hazardous materials or environments through engineering controls, administrative controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Exposure Control Plan (ECP)
A written document outlining procedures, responsibilities, protective measures, and response actions used to reduce or prevent occupational exposure to hazardous materials or infectious agents.

Exposure Incident
A specific event involving actual or potential contact with a hazardous biological, chemical, or physical agent that may require evaluation, reporting, medical follow-up, or corrective actions.

Exposure Reporting
The process of promptly documenting and communicating actual or suspected exposure incidents to the appropriate supervisors, safety personnel, or healthcare providers for evaluation and follow-up.

Exposure Route
The pathway by which a hazardous substance enters the body. Common exposure routes include inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, mucous membrane contact, and injection.

Floor Decontamination
The cleaning and disinfection of floor surfaces to remove or inactivate biological, chemical, or hazardous contaminants and reduce the risk of exposure or cross-contamination.

Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
Established laboratory practices and procedures designed to promote safety, consistency, accuracy, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance during laboratory operations and research activities.

Handwashing
The process of thoroughly cleaning hands with soap and water to remove dirt, microorganisms, and contaminants in order to reduce the spread of infection and exposure to hazardous materials.

Hazard Assessment
A systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and document potential hazards associated with specific tasks, materials, equipment, or work environments to determine appropriate controls.

Hazard Recognition
The ability to identify existing or potential biological, chemical, physical, or environmental hazards that may pose a risk to health, safety, or property.

HEPA Filter
A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter designed to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns in diameter, commonly used in Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and ventilation systems to help control contamination and exposure.

Infectious Agent
A biological organism or material capable of causing disease in humans, animals, or plants. Examples include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and certain biological toxins.

Inspection
A formal or informal evaluation of equipment, facilities, processes, or work practices conducted to identify hazards, verify compliance, and ensure safe operating conditions.

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
A committee responsible for reviewing and overseeing research and activities involving biological materials, recombinant DNA, biohazards, and other regulated biological agents to help ensure compliance with applicable biosafety regulations and guidelines.

Laboratory
A facility or designated work area used for research, testing, teaching, clinical work, or other activities involving biological, chemical, or hazardous materials.

Laboratory Certification
The formal verification that a laboratory, laboratory system, or laboratory equipment meets established operational, safety, or regulatory standards and requirements.

Laboratory Conduct
Expected behaviors, work practices, and professional standards that promote safety, compliance, cleanliness, and responsible operations within a laboratory environment.

Laboratory Equipment
Tools, instruments, devices, and systems used to conduct laboratory activities, experiments, testing, storage, monitoring, or safety-related functions.

Laboratory Housekeeping
Routine cleaning, organization, maintenance, and waste management practices used to maintain a safe, orderly, and sanitary laboratory environment.

Laboratory Personnel
Individuals who work in or support laboratory operations, including faculty, staff, students, researchers, contractors, custodial personnel, and visitors authorized to enter laboratory spaces.

Laboratory Practices
Established procedures, techniques, and work methods used in laboratory settings to promote safety, accuracy, contamination control, and regulatory compliance.

Laboratory Survey
A review or inspection of laboratory spaces, operations, equipment, materials, and work practices conducted to identify hazards, verify compliance, and evaluate biosafety conditions.

Medical Waste
Waste generated from medical, laboratory, research, or healthcare-related activities that may contain infectious materials, sharps, or other regulated hazardous substances requiring special handling and disposal.

Microbiological Waste
Waste containing or contaminated with microorganisms, biological cultures, stocks, or other potentially infectious biological materials generated during laboratory or research activities.

Mothballing
The process of safely deactivating, preserving, securing, and storing equipment or laboratory systems for an extended period of non-use while maintaining the ability to return them to service in the future.

Near Miss
An unplanned event or unsafe condition that did not result in injury, illness, damage, or release, but had the potential to do so under slightly different circumstances.

Occupational Exposure
Reasonably anticipated contact with biological, chemical, or hazardous materials that may occur as part of an individual’s job duties or work activities.

Pathogen
A microorganism or biological agent capable of causing disease in humans, animals, or plants. Common pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protective clothing or equipment worn to reduce exposure to biological, chemical, physical, or environmental hazards. Examples include gloves, lab coats, safety glasses, face shields, and respirators.

Principal Investigator (PI)
The individual responsible for the overall design, conduct, supervision, and compliance of a research project or laboratory activity.

Primary Containment
Methods, equipment, or barriers used to contain hazardous biological materials at the source and prevent exposure to personnel or the environment. Examples include Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), sealed containers, and safe microbiological practices.

Puncture-Resistant Container
A durable container specifically designed to prevent punctures or leaks during the handling and disposal of sharps or other hazardous materials.

Recombinant DNA
DNA molecules formed by combining genetic material from different sources using laboratory techniques for research, medical, industrial, or educational purposes.

Recordkeeping
The process of creating, maintaining, storing, and managing documents and records related to laboratory activities, training, inspections, incidents, waste disposal, certifications, and regulatory compliance.

Red Bag Waste
Biohazardous waste placed in designated red bags for collection, handling, treatment, and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional procedures.

Regulated Medical Waste
Waste generated from medical, laboratory, or research activities that may contain infectious materials or other hazards and is subject to specific handling, treatment, transportation, and disposal requirements.

Regulated Waste
Waste materials subject to specific regulatory requirements due to their biological, chemical, physical, or environmental hazards.

Research Personnel
Individuals involved in conducting, supporting, supervising, or assisting with research activities, including faculty, staff, students, visiting researchers, and authorized collaborators.

Risk Assessment
A systematic process used to identify hazards, evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential harm, and determine appropriate control measures to reduce risk.

Sanitation
The maintenance of clean and hygienic conditions through proper cleaning, waste management, and other practices intended to reduce contamination and protect health and safety.

Secondary Containment
Additional protective measures or barriers used to contain hazardous materials if the primary container or containment system fails. Examples include spill trays, double containers, and containment cabinets.

Select Agent
A biological agent or toxin regulated by federal authorities due to its potential to pose a severe threat to public health, animal health, plant health, or national security.

Sharps
Objects capable of puncturing or cutting the skin, including needles, syringes, scalpels, lancets, razor blades, and broken contaminated glass.

Sharps Container
A puncture-resistant, leak-resistant, and properly labeled container designed for the safe collection and disposal of sharps.

Sink Disposal
The disposal of approved liquid waste through a laboratory or sanitary drain system in accordance with applicable regulations, institutional procedures, and environmental requirements.

SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
A written document that provides step-by-step instructions for safely and consistently performing specific tasks, operations, or laboratory activities.

Spill Kit
A collection of supplies and materials used to safely contain, clean, disinfect, and dispose of spilled hazardous or potentially infectious materials.

Spill Response
The actions taken to safely manage, contain, clean, disinfect, report, and dispose of hazardous or potentially infectious spills in order to reduce exposure and contamination risks.

Sterilization
A physical or chemical process that completely destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

Support Personnel
Individuals who provide operational, maintenance, custodial, administrative, safety, or technical support services in laboratory or research environments.

Thermal Burn
An injury caused by contact with hot surfaces, liquids, steam, flames, or other heat sources that can damage skin or underlying tissues.

Training Requirements
Mandatory education, instruction, and competency expectations established to help ensure individuals understand hazards, safe work practices, emergency procedures, and applicable regulatory or institutional requirements.

Transport of Biological Materials
The movement or shipment of biological materials within or between facilities using approved packaging, labeling, containment, and handling procedures to prevent spills, exposures, or releases.

Universal Precautions
An approach to infection control that treats all human blood and certain bodily fluids as potentially infectious and requires appropriate protective measures to prevent exposure.

Vector
An organism, such as a mosquito, tick, or other living carrier, capable of transmitting infectious agents from one host to another.

Waste Segregation
The process of separating waste materials by hazard type, composition, or disposal method to help ensure safe handling, treatment, and disposal.

Waste Stream
A specific category or flow of waste generated from activities or processes that requires particular handling, treatment, or disposal procedures.

Work Practice Controls
Procedures and techniques used to reduce the likelihood of exposure to hazards by changing the way tasks are performed. Examples include proper handwashing, safe sharps handling, and decontamination procedures.

Zoonotic Disease
An infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans through direct contact, indirect contact, vectors, or contaminated materials.