Biological agents are bacteria, viruses, fungi, other micro-organisms and their toxins. They can have a negative effect on people’s health in a variety of ways, from relatively mild allergic reactions to serious illnesses – even death.
It is important to protect workers from biological agents, especially when working with food, micro-organisms and in agriculture where there is high exposure.
Hygiene and Protection of Employees
In the case of activities where the health and safety of employees is endangered due to work with biological agents, GMMs or GMOs, the employer must ensure that:
Employees do not eat in work areas where there is a risk of contamination from biological agents
Employees receive appropriate protective clothing
Employees have access to adequate cleaning and toilet facilities, including essential cleaning products such as eye cleansers and skin sanitizers.
All necessary personal protection (PPE) areis stored and handled properly
Genetically modified microorganisms are all microorganisms whose genetic material has been changed in a way other than what occurs in nature through mating and/or natural recombination.
This includes microorganisms whose genetic material has been modified using the technology described in Part A of Annex 1 of the Regulation on the Restricted Use of Genetically Modified Microorganisms.
Microorganisms modified by methods described in Part B of Annex 1 are not called genetically modified microorganisms.
Genetically modified microorganisms are all microorganisms whose genetic material has been changed in a way other than what occurs in nature through mating and/or natural recombination.
This includes microorganisms whose genetic material has been modified using the technology described in Part A of Annex 1 of the Regulation on the Restricted Use of Genetically Modified Microorganisms.
Microorganisms modified by methods described in Part B of Annex 1 are not called genetically modified microorganisms.
When employees are at risk or may be at risk of exposure to artificial light radiation at work, the employer must ensure the health and safety of employees.
The regulation on protection against exposure due to artificial light radiation in the workplace, which applies to light radiation in the wave range 100nm-1mm, i.e. ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation and infrared radiation, deals with, i.a. the obligations of employers. This is an important part of risk assessment.
When conducting a risk assessment in the workplace due to brightness levels, the following must be considered:
Exposure due to light radiation, wavelength range and time
Criteria in the regulation
Special at-risk groups
Interaction of light radiation and substances affecting photosensitivity
Indirect effects such as temporary blindness, explosions or burns
Equipment to reduce the impact or to replace dangerous equipment
