Industrial-hygiene characterization of commercial applications of genetic engineering and biotechnology
Walkthrough surveys of six companies involved in research and development of recombinant DNA techniques applicable to fermentation processes (SIC-7391) were conducted. Engineering controls at the sites included general and local ventilation systems, gas filtration, waste-products control, biological safety cabinets, access barriers, and room surfaces that met National Institutes of Health guidelines for working with contaminants. Five companies regularly tested and certified biological safety cabinets and walking hoods, and monitored the autoclaves. Four companies had guidelines for safe work practices and detailed plans for emergencies and laboratory accidents. Three facilities had industrial hygiene programs. All facilities had medical programs, but these varied in objectives, essential elements, and application. The authors note that the companies that were new to the field of fermentation technology were less sophisticated in their approach to occupational health and safety than the more-experienced companies. Recommendations include: establishing medical-surveillance programs with preemployment and periodic medical examinations and a serological monitoring system; implementing a systematic preventive-maintenance system for agitator seals; using control and pressure-relief valves; installing equipment safeguards; and establishing a registry of all work employed in recombinant DNA processes.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA). Div. of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluation and Field Studies
- OSTI ID:
- 5125221
- Report Number(s):
- PB-85-222875/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GENETIC ENGINEERING
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
RECOMBINANT DNA
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
AIR POLLUTION
ENZYMES
FERMENTATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INSPECTION
SAFETY ENGINEERING
TOXICITY
VENTILATION
BIOCONVERSION
DNA
ENGINEERING
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SAFETY
552000* - Public Health
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)