Frequently Asked Questions on Biohazard Labels

• What are the Biohazard Label Regulations? And, whom does it cover?

• How are pathogens and biohazards different?

• How are the Biohazard symbols used?

• We help handle evidence in DNA testing. Many investigators typically handle these materials. Should we use Biohazard labels?

• What are some good procedures for handling biohazards?

• What is OPIM? Is there a special biohazard label for this?

• What other toxins should be considered biohazards or pathogens?

What are the Biohazard Label Regulations? And, whom does it cover?

Warning labels shall be attached to all containers used for the storage or transport of potentially infectious materials. The labels shall be orange or red-orange with the biohazard symbol in a contrasting color. Red containers or bags can be substituted for warning labels. [See 29 CFR 1910.1030].

The Bloodborne Pathogens Regulation ([9 CFR 1910.1030] applies to all persons who may reasonably anticipate contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials in the course of their employment. This includes contact with skin, eyes, mucous membranes or contact from piercing the skin. This regulation is mainly focused on compelling employers to create a written Exposure Control Plan in order for the employer to describe to the employees how they will be protected from exposure.

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How are pathogens and biohazards different?

Pathogens are agents that can specifically cause disease. Biohazards are infectious agents or dangerous biological materials that present a risk or potential risk to human health. We offer labels or signs that cover both hazards.

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How are the Biohazard symbols used in making a Biohazard sign?

A BioHazard sign needs to contain the symbol shown below, as well as the word "BioHazard" or "Biological Hazard".

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We help handle evidence in DNA testing. Many investigators typically handle these materials. Should we use Biohazard labels?

It is believed that any evidence that entails bodily fluids should be labeled with biohazard labels, tags or tape. These labels help make sure that your civic workers, police and laboratory technicians are aware of the possible health hazards when they handle such samples of evidence, such as the dangers of contracting Hepatitis B and HIV.

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What are some good procedures for handling biohazards?

There are many different types of biohazards, and many different levels of danger.  For many hazards, something as simple as household bleach is usable to disinfect environmental surfaces or clean up spills of potentially infectious materials. For a complete description of one procedure for handling biohazards, see the link below.

http://www.state.mn.us/ebranch/doli/pdf/bbpcpl2.pdf

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What is OPIM? Is there a special biohazard label for this?

OPIM means, other potentially infectious materials. This means that it can be anything that can carry types of pathogenic microorganisms or any other potential risks. There is no specific biohazard label for this because in a sense, it can be anything.

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In determining when to post a biohazard sign, what other toxins should be considered biohazards or pathogens?

While HBV and HIV are specifically identified in the Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), the term includes any pathogenic microorganism that is present in human blood or OPIM and can infect and cause disease in persons who are exposed to blood containing the pathogen. Pathogenic microorganisms can also cause diseases such as hepatitis C, malaria, syphilis, babesiosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis, arboviral infections, relapsing fever, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (caused by HTLV-I), HTLV-I associated myelopathy, diseases associated with HTLV-II, viral hemorrhagic fever, and West Nile Virus. Although not a microorganism, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can be transmitted through blood.

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