Source: China Standards Information Service Network
Handling biological materials in laboratories or elsewhere is essential to many industries, from disease diagnosis to pharmaceuticals and scientific research, but is not without dangers. Effective risk management of biohazardous materials means reducing the likelihood of accidents and environmental impact, and making more efficient use of time and other resources. To help address this issue, a new international management system standard has just been published.
The threats of SARS, pandemic viruses, and malicious use of pathogens have all made the world aware of the risks of biological materials and the need for rigorous, risk-proof handling approaches. A biorisk management system is a key step in achieving this goal, as it enables an organization to effectively identify, control and manage biosafety or biosecurity risks associated with its activities.
ISO35001 Biorisk Management Standard for Laboratories and Other Related Organizations is the first international standard on biorisk management systems. This standard provides requirements and guidance for laboratories or any other organization related to biological agents to control and reduce any risks associated with the use of biological agents.
Patty Olinger, convener of the working group that developed the standard, said that while there are regional or national standards that can help organizations manage their risks and meet regulatory requirements, ISO 35001 is the first to harmonize these standards to provide international best practice that can be recognized anywhere in the world.
She added, “ISO35001 provides a roadmap for organizations and individuals on how to organize, systematically manage and structure their biorisk plans.”
“As the world becomes more and more integrated, protecting the global public health infrastructure becomes increasingly important.”
ISO 35001 was developed by the ISO/TC212 Clinical Laboratory Testing and In Vitro Diagnostic Testing Systems Technical Committee, and its secretariat is assumed by ANSI, an ISO member in the United States. You can obtain this standard from your national ISO member or through the ISO store.
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