Accessibility statement

Biological safety signs

Signs should be provided where there is a residual risk to persons, even after applying all the appropriate control measures to reduce risk. This relates to provision of biohazard warning signs and signs indicating that access is restricted and, where appropriate, who is authorised to enter.

Provision of biohazard warning signs

It should be emphasised that biohazard warning signs should be used sparingly. They must only be used to warn of a biological hazard. They should be placed at the entrance to containment facilities, on safety cabinets and on incubators and storage equipment outside the facilities. They may also be placed on large items of equipment inside the facility and biohazard tape may be used to mark areas of bench where microbiological hazards are handled.

Biohazard signs are primarily intended for areas where there is a risk of infection and not for other biological risks (e.g. biting or scratches, toxins or dangerous animals). Biohazard signs should be maintained in good order and must be removed when they are no longer relevant.

Where should biohazard signs be used?

Biohazard signs must be used:

  • where ACDP or ACGM Group 3 hazards are handled in laboratories or other facilities
  • where ACDP or ACGM Group 2 hazards are handled in the laboratory provided there is a significant risk that accidental exposure would lead to infection
  • where animals are infected (deliberately or otherwise) with organisms pathogenic to man and where there is a significant risk that accidental exposure would lead to infection

Biohazard signs may be used:

  • where ACDP or ACGM Group 2 hazards are handled but the risk is minimal
  • where human tissue is stored or used

Other signs, e.g. where access is restricted or by authorised persons only, should be provided to indicate the restrictions and, where appropriate, the persons authorised to enter or use equipment. The containment level of the facility should also be indicated on the biohazard warning sign to indicate whether the facility is level 2 or 3.