Biosafety Month

Held in October, this month highlights the importance of biosafety and biosecurity in biomedical research, healthcare, and the environment. This year is all about highlighting the core components of biosafety and biosecurity, such as ethical research, training, engagement, and stewardship.

Biosafety and biosecurity are concepts relating to keeping people and the environment safe and secure from biological hazards. Biosafety in the laboratory manifests as using containment devices, like a biosafety cabinet, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep yourself safe from exposures and your research from cross-contamination. In the clinical environment, it is about using safe-sharps devices and wearing respiratory protection to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens or airborne pathogens, respectively.  Biosecurity on the other hand is about controlling access to and accounting for biological material so it is not used for nefarious purposes. Let’s work together this Biosafety and Biosecurity Month to remind each other of safe and secure work practices to protect ourselves from biohazards in the workplace!

For more information about biosafety and biosecurity, visit the OESO Division of Biological Safety website or email us with your questions/concerns at biosafety@duke.edu. We’re here to help you stay safe!