Laboratories that will be working with potential COVID-19 specimens and performing site- and activity-specific risk assessments should take the following into further consideration:
- Classifying the potential for exposure that takes into account the modes of transmission, specimen type and organism concentration, virulence of the pathogen (SARS-CoV-2), and potential for spill or inhalation.
- Reviewing emergency communication and operational plans, including how to protect staff that may be at higher risk of exposure or severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g., personal health status and those with suppressed immunity, or laboratory staff who may handle or manipulate COVID-19 specimens, etc.)
- Identifying laboratory activities, staff competencies, instruments, equipment, or procedures that may increase the risk of an exposure.
- Evaluating and prioritizing determined risks (likelihood and consequence of a specific risk) and then developing a mitigation strategy
Laboratories with potential COVID-19 exposures could consider integrating factors such as:
- Identifying any required or recommended safety practices to address the determined risks, such as PPE, engineering controls, training, or revising operational procedures.
- Determining whether additional risk mitigation strategies are needed, such as any equipment upgrades, facility renovations or changes, or implementation of new trainings.
- Providing regular communication to staff on risks and mitigation, and if there are any changes to policies, plans or procedures. Sharing safety plans with staff and providing trainings and opportunities to ask questions.
- Validating risk mitigation strategies by reviewing the determined assessment and mitigation strategies after implementation to ensure measures are effective and no additional actions are needed.
- Enrolling laboratory personnel in occupational health program.
- Incorporating appropriate training or training programs that could be adapted or implemented to enhance lab practices and competence.
