Introduction

These pages provide information on the prevention of biological hazards at work, with especial regard to the needs of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

This web feature is intended to assist those who are seeking information on the prevention against biological hazards at work in Hungary. The information is organised in the following sections:

• Key statistics on biological hazards at work
• Key documents relating to biological hazards
• 10 steps for organisations to improve the prevention of biological hazards at work
• Providers of information
• Information about the “state of the play” regarding …

What are biological hazards?

Biological hazards are those related to workers’ exposure to biological agents at work. “Biological agents” refers to micro-organisms, including genetically modified ones, cell cultures and human endoparasites which may be able to cause any infection, allergy or toxicity. They also include bacteria, viruses, and fungi (yeasts and moulds). For further information on biological hazards see Factsheet 41 Biological agentsand Magazine article Managing biological hazards in the workplace.

What problems can they cause?

Biological agents can cause three types of disease: infections, allergies, and poisoning or toxic effects. Pathogenic micro-organisms can enter the human body by penetrating damaged skin, needle stick injuries or bites, or by settling on mucous membranes. They can also be inhaled or swallowed, leading to infections of the upper respiratory tract or the digestive system. The essential difference between biological agents and other hazardous substances is their ability to reproduce. A small amount of a micro organism may grow considerably in a very short time under favourable conditions.

For further information, see the Agency’s Factsheet 33 An introduction to dangerous substances in the workplace, Factsheet 41 Biological agentsand Magazine article Managing biological hazards in the workplace.

What are the sectors most at risk?

Biological agents are found in many sectors, although –as they are rarely visible– the risks they pose are not always appreciated. However, it is obvious that some workers are more likely to be exposed to these hazards: for example, people working with natural or organic materials such as soil, plants and plant materials (e.g. hay, straw, silage, cotton), animals and substances of animal origin (e.g. manure, wool, hair), food, organic dust (e.g. grain dust, paper dust), waste, wastewater, blood and other body fluids or excrements may be exposed to biological agents. Contact with different micro-organisms may also occur in a microbiology analytical laboratory or biotechnology company. The main sectors or activities at risk are:

• Food production
• Agriculture, forestry, horticulture
• All activities where contact with animals and substances of animal origin is possible
• Healthcare and social work
• Waste management, sewage plants
• Microbiology analytical laboratories or biotechnology companies
• Wood processing industry, metal processing industry (use of metalworking fluids)
• Recycling plants for paper, glass, synthetic materials, wrapping materials
• Building and construction industry (processing of natural materials like clay, straw, reed; redevelopment of buildings)
• Working areas with air conditioning systems and high humidity (e.g. textile industry, print industry and paper production)
• Archives, museums, libraries.

The European legal framework

To protect workers against risks to their health and safety from exposure to biological agents at work, the European Council issued Council Directive 90/679/EEC of 26 November 1990. After several amendments, Directive 90/679/EEC has been replaced by Directive 2000/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work.

Directive 2000/54/EC determines the risks at the working place that are caused by biological agents and should therefore be applied to any activity where workers are actually or potentially exposed to biological agents as a result of their work.