Biohazard: The Human Factor in Biosafety and Biocontainment

  • Unique Paper ID: 180263
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 584-591
  • Abstract:
  • This exploration examines the critical human element in maintaining biosafety and biocontainment protocols, arguing that while cutting-edge engineering controls are indispensable, human behavior, rigorous training, and unwavering adherence to established procedures are equally, if not more, crucial. Incidents in high-containment laboratories—ranging from minor spills to potential exposures—often trace back to individual lapses in judgment, poor technique, or deviations from standard operating procedures, rather than equipment failure. A single human error can compromise the most sophisticated facilities. We delve into the multifaceted psychological factors influencing compliance. These include individual risk perception, which can vary widely among personnel, and various cognitive biases that might lead to underestimating threats or overestimating personal abilities. Factors like fatigue, stress, and even complacency can significantly impact decision-making and manual dexterity, increasing the likelihood of errors. The pervasive issue of human error—whether it manifests as skill-based slips (e.g., misreading a label), knowledge-based mistakes (e.g., misunderstanding a protocol), or intentional violations (e.g., taking shortcuts)— underscores the absolute necessity of robust, continuous training programs.

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 584-591

Biohazard: The Human Factor in Biosafety and Biocontainment

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