History and status of laboratory biological risk assessment and management
[Significance]Laboratory biosafety is a comprehensive endeavor that draws from a multitude of disciplines,such as pathogenic microorganisms,architectural design engineering,protective materials,and aerodynamics.It emphasizes both management and research to ensure a safe working environment.In the course of conducting experiments in biological laboratories,there exists a risk of pathogenic microorganisms infecting experimental staff or spreading to the community owing to inadequate control measures.However,with an evolving understanding of the characteristics of these microorganisms and continuous improvements in laboratory facilities and equipment,our ability to prevent such infections has significantly improved.The cornerstone of laboratory biosafety lies in carrying out thorough risk assessments.By analyzing the source and degree of risk,we can design an effective layout of laboratory zoning.This is complemented by formulating appropriate standard operating procedures and management procedures.Determining the level of the laboratory,the degree of personal protection required,and planning for emergency preparedness are critical other safety precautions.These measures can substantially reduce or even eliminate the occurrence of laboratory biosafety incidents.Therefore,risk assessment and risk management are at the heart of laboratory biosafety.They provide an important foundation for ensuring laboratory biosafety.[Progress]The concept of risk assessment first appeared in the banking and insurance industries in the 1930s.Risk management was subsequently developed,premised on improving security measures based on original risk assessment activities.As our understanding of risk assessment and management deepened over time,these concepts gradually permeated into other fields,such as enterprise management,natural disasters,and biosafety.The development of biological risk assessment and management during the 19th and 20th centuries was largely driven by a growing understanding of laboratory-acquired infections among scientists.The frequent occurrence of such infections has spurred continuous advancements and innovations in biological risk assessment methods.Consequently,the concept of biorisk management has become more standardized,leading to the ongoing development and improvement of technical specifications and management regulations for laboratories.In terms of laboratory biological risk assessment and management,some of the most widely recognized international standards are the Laboratory Biosafety Manual issued by the World Health Organization and the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories jointly released by the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.These normative documents reflect the current characteristics of laboratory biological risk assessment and management.They underscore the importance of risk assessment,clarify the need for a comprehensive consideration of various factors in risk assessments,de-emphasize rigidly graded and classified management,and further refine the framework for risk assessment and management.Notably,they emphasize the continuity of risk assessment and the timely adjustment of management measures.[Conclusions and Prospects]Drawing from international standards for laboratory biological risk assessment and management,China must tailor these principles to its specific needs.The objective should be a continuous improvement of biorisk management measures.Exploring quantitative methods of laboratory biological risk assessment,training dedicated personnel in risk assessment and management,leveraging intelligent technologies to reduce laboratory biological risks,and promoting the construction of a safety culture through risk assessment activities are crucial steps toward this goal.
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