Special work circumstances may dictate the need for extra surveillance or medical clearance by the SUOHC. Circumstances can include the species
of animal being worked with (e.g., RC1, non-human primates, sheep, birds, wild animals), the agent being worked with (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis), or the level at which the work is conducted (e.g., BSL3). Certain health circumstances may also result in the need for consultation with the OHC prior to work. If you have questions or concerns about the nature of your work, please consult Biosafety by calling 725-1473. For health concerns, please call the Occupational Health Center at 725- 5308.

PPE

A risk assessment of work or agents planned may dictate the need for specific PPE. One typical example of this is the need to wear an N95 respirator. In order to wear an N95 respirator, personnel must complete annual medical clearance and fit testing for enrollment in the N95 program. Examples of work requiring an N95 respirator or other PPE for respiratory protection may include work wih BSL3 aerosol-transmissible agents, work with BSL2 aerosol-transmissible agents that cannot be done within a Biosafety Cabinet, field work that generates dust or debris potentially containing dried feces or urine, or a need for increased protection from allergens during animal work. Other examples of specific PPE may include sleeve covers, Tyvek suits, disposable gowns, disposable hair nets or shoe coverings (figure 4). See Chapter 9 for additional information on PPE.

Pregnancy Planning

Some infectious agents pose a particular reproductive risk around or during pregnancy. Any lab working with an agent that poses a reproductive risk must post signage indicating the agent is present and who can be contacted with questions or concerns. Some agents pose a risk if contracted during pregnancy; others, like Zika Virus, pose a risk if contracted during pregnancy but can also pose a risk if a partner was exposed prior to pregnancy and transmits the agent during the course of pregnancy.

The APB protocol approval process involves a discussion of the potential hazards and risks associated with the agents listed, including any reproductive concerns. It is also the responsibility of the supervisor to provide Tier III training that includes a list of potentially harmful items used, how to control exposure through, work practices and use of PPE, and ensuring compliance with a physician’s instructions regarding workplace restrictions.

The goals of this program are to protect the reproductive health of male and female employees and students from occupational exposures to substances (chemical, biological, radiological or physical) known or suspected of being capable of posing a hazard to human reproduction, and to identify potential reproductive hazards and implement appropriate control measures. Participation in this program is confidential, and can be initiated by completing the reproductive health hazard questionnaire, found online in the Stanford Reproductive and Developmental Health Protection Program website (https://bit.ly/2CNZtKj).

Incident or Exposures and Baseline Testing

Following an incident or exposure involving a biological (infectious agent, rDNA, potential BBP material), personnel should go to the Stanford University Occupational Health Center for advising and medical consultation, unless the nature of the incident dictates that a visit to the Stanford Emergency Department is more appropriate.

Outside SUOHC working hours (M-F, 8am-4pm), personnel can also visit the Stanford ED if they deem medical attention necessary; an alternative is also to visit the SUOHC during the next open hours. SUOHC will consult with Biosafety for risk assessments based on any potential exposure involving biologicals.

While SUOHC does not bank serum for testing purposes, they may recommend baseline testing immediate following a potential exposure, followed by review at a later appropriate time.

Visiting the SUOHC soon after a potential incident or exposure can be critical to the timeliness of medical recommendations and implementation of testing. SUOHC can be contacted by calling (650) 725-5308.