This Generic Risk Assessment (GRA) examines the hazards, risks and control measures relating to Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) personnel, the personnel of other agencies and members of the public attending incidents involving biohazards.
Depending on the nature and scale of the operational incident a variety of significant hazards may be present. FRS may therefore need to consider the contents of other specific GRAs in this series. This GRA should therefore be considered in conjunction with all other relevant GRAs in the series.
FRS must conduct their own assessments and produce their own Safe Systems of Work (which include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training programmes, provision of equipment, levels of response etc.) within the context of Integrated Risk Management Plans, local conditions, knowledge and existing organisational arrangements.
A biological hazard is any micro organism, cell culture or human endoparasite, including any that have been genetically modified, that can cause infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health.
The biohazard can enter the body via skin contact, puncture wounds, cuts, inhalation and also by ingestion of contaminated food or drink.
Biohazards can be grouped into four different classes:
- Bacteria: (esherichia coli (E.coli), TB, salmonella, legionella)
- Viruses: (hepatitis B, C, HIV)
- Protozoa: (toxoplasmosis, ringworm, malaria)
- Fungi and spores: (aspergillosis)
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