Lab Safety

At Teton County Weed and Pest, we have a Biological Safety Level 2 lab to test for various pathogens in common vectors, including mosquitoes within 24-48 hours of collection for West Nile Virus and ticks for Colorado Tick Fever Virus (CTFV) and more. As the workload on our lab and team increases, so do the hazards.

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With a BSL-2 classification lab, our team is permitted  to handle biological agents that pose a moderate risk to human health. In the lab, we use a few of the following scientific methods:

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- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)

- Microscopy (use of microscopes to study cells/microorganisms/tissues/fine structural details) 

- Spectrophotometry (laboratory technique used to measure how much light a substance absorbs at specific wavelengths. Helps determine the concentration or purity of a sample)

- Bioassays (used for mosquito insecticide resistance tests)

- Gel electrophoresis (laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and electrical charge by applying an electric current through a gel matrix),

-  Decontamination/Inactivation processes for safe handling, testing, and disposal of biohazardous materials (these standard microbiological practices involve basic hygiene practices for our lab that works with microorganisms or biological materials that contain microorganisms)

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Risks in a BSL-2 Safety Lab

The risks in our lab include: chemical, mechanical, and biological hazards.

Risk: Chemical Hazards

Our Chemical inventory includes acids, bases, alcohols, volatiles, and corrosives. Routes of exposure can look like splashes or cross-contamination on the skin skin, in the eyes, on mucous membranes (ingestion) and vapor encounters from inhalation, on mucous membranes, etc.

We identify the hazards associated with each chemical from the Globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS), fifth revised edition.

Risk: Mechanical Hazards

We use various equipment and tools that help us perform high-level processes on tiny amounts of plant material, mosquito, or tick DNA. Each carries their own set of risks that we have to prepare standard operating procedures to mitigate and reduce their associated risks.

Examples:

Centrifuge - risks: trauma injuries

Autoclave - risks: burns/scalds

Freezers - risks: cold burns

Water/dry baths, sharps, & glassware - risks: cuts/burns

Mechanical Hazards: 

Our work revolves around having a secure and protected laboratory space to protect our employees from the potential risks of working everyday with transmissible pathogens. How does following safety protocols and procedures impact what we do every day? Let’s dive in.

Mechanical hazards by the use of laboratory equipment can be identified through manufacturer’s equipment manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and lab safety manuals.

Risk: Biological Hazards

Biological hazards are especially important to prevent all possible hazards due to the potential for exposure to infectious materials and pathogens. How do we identify the hazards associated with each biological agent?

Risk assessments:

1. Biological Agent Hazard Identification
2. Laboratory Procedure Hazard Identification
3. Determine Appropriate Biosafety Level & Additional Precautions Needed
4. Ongoing Processes: Risk Communication, Verify Strategies, Evaluate Proficiency of Staff + Integrity of Safety Equipment

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Conclusion: 

Our tick surveillance program, along with updates to our vector program, lab, and practices, has increased the need for safety interventions. These measures help prevent hazards and keep the TCWP lab safe for everyone. Equipment upgrades are routinely made to accommodate greater hazards we deal with on a day-to-day basis.

As the workload and hazards on our lab increase, laboratory access is appropriately restricted, staff proficiency & additional training remain required, and communications systems are implemented. By keeping lab safety as a top priority for our team, we will be able to provide consistent and high-quality results that continue to benefit our community.