Biological safety cabinets (BSC) will provide both product and operator protection, this is achieved by recirculating HEPA-filtered air within the cabinet as well as providing an inflow at the face opening. Biological safety cabinets are specifically designed for the handling of samples that present a biological hazard. Design...
Risk Analysis Checklist
Prior to working with potentially hazardous compounds or new processes within the laboratory, a risk analysis of the hazards involved should be performed. Below is a list of some consideration areas when carrying out this type of risk analysis.What data are available on the drug?What safety datasheets (SDS) are available?What...
Chemical Criteria By Drug Category
The following table shows the chemical criteria by drug category. It uses the varying properties of drugs and places them in their respective category: Low Toxicity (1), Intermediate Toxicity (2), Potent (3) or Highly Potent (4). This table is useful in determining the types of Safety and Engineering controls that need to be put in...
Low and Intermediate Toxicity Drug Compounds
Handling procedures for low and intermediate toxicity drug compounds are much less controlled than those of a potent nature, largely because their pharmacological effects, if exposed to, are less severe. Typically substances of this nature will have pharmacological effects when used in concentrations over 10mg/Kg. Low and intermediate toxicity drug...
Potent and Highly Potent Drug Compounds
Potent and Highly Potent Drug Compounds have distinct properties that mean they need to be handled in a much more controlled manner. These compounds will not be commonly handled on the open bench and require definite controlled handling procedures in order to minimise scientist exposure. Category 3: Potent Compounds A...
Categorisation of Drug Compounds
The basis of the categorisation of drug compounds is inherent to their toxicity. Drug entities are initially classified in terms of their respective toxicity and potency characteristics. Toxicity can be determined in various ways, such as through observations in pre-clinical toxicological investigations and in clinical trials. Other factors are: Mechanism...
Exposure Potential to Drug Compounds in the Laboratory
Technological advances in drug research and development provide us with increasingly effective medicines that can be taken in correspondingly lower doses, yet still achieving longer term medicinal effects. While these advancements are of obvious benefit to patients, as they will receive fewer treatments with the added advantage of longer term...