Working With Infectious Pathogens
What you should know before starting work with any infectious pathogen.
All individuals working in a containment level 3 facility or with any pathogen (including containment level 2 work) that has a recognised vaccine must register beforehand with the Occupational Health Service. Before commencing work with any infectious pathogen you must be aware of the following information:
- Transmission, Symptoms and Signs of Disease from this Pathogen
- Controls in place to reduce exposure to this pathogen
- Is your immunity sufficient?
- Immunisations available
- Other Fitness for Work Considerations
Transmission, Symptoms and Signs of Disease from this Pathogen
This list is not exhaustive. Discuss the transmission, symptoms and signs of infection with your supervisor or departmental safety officer.
Controls in place to reduce exposure to this pathogen
Information regarding the safe use of infectious material in your research, available immunisation and the pathogen-specific action in the event of inadvertent exposure should be provided in the main part by your principal investigator before the work is commenced. Training is also provided by the University Safety Office.
Is your immunity sufficient?
The code of practice for your research project is sufficient for individuals with a normal immune system. If your immune system is impaired for any reason special precautions may be required to ensure that you work in safety.
Conditions that affect a person’s immunity include:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV)
- Treatment with Steroids within 3 months
- Other immunosuppressive drugs within 6 months
- Past history of a Splenectomy
- Treatment for Cancer within the last 6 months
- Bone marrow transplant within at least 12 months of all immunosurpressive treatment
- Pregnancy
- Anything that affects the skin’s natural barrier including Psoriasis and Eczema
The list above is not exhaustive. The Occupational Health Service must be informed of any condition that may affect your safety to undertake work with infectious pathogens. All occupational health service staff work to a strict code of ethics concerning the confidentiality of medical information.
Immunisations available
Staff handling and conducting research on specific organisms may have a level of exposure sufficient to justify immunisation. The following vaccines may be recommended for those working with related organisms:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Cholera
- Meningococcal ACW135Y
- Vaccinia (for those working with replication competent vaccinia - see VACCINIA)
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Influenza
- Varicella
Rabies immunisation is recommended for those who work with the virus or handle specimens from animals that may be infected.
Please contact the Occupational Health Service to arrange for immunisation or for further information.
Action in the Event of Exposure: Immediate action after exposure to infectious material 
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Safe use of Needles and other ‘Sharps’
HSE ACDP Guidance on Infection at Work- Controlling the Risk
Other Fitness for Work Considerations
Certain health issues may affect your safety to work, particularly in laboratories where infectious material is handled. In most cases the Occupational Health Service will be able to see you and advise about adapting the work environment to take into account your health needs to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Appropriate reasonable extra support or adaptation of the work will be offered in conjunction with advice from the Disability Office. In the very unusual situation where there is any reason for concern regarding fitness for work confidential specialist advice may be sought and a case conference held to ensure that all reasonable steps and support have been considered.
Conditions that may affect your fitness to work with infectious material include:
Conditions that affect your balance or co-ordination
Conditions that may cause collapse or loss of conciousness
Conditions that may affect your judgement regarding safety
This list is not exhaustive. If you have any concerns that your safety at work may be affected by a medical condition please notify the Occupational Health Service immediately for confidential assessment and advice.
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