This year's SARS cases, believed to be originated in research
labs in China and Singapore, have highlighted the question of
biological safety in labs. A standard and scientific safety
criteria and evaluation system is badly needed to bring all labs
under control. An official Wang Fengqing explains some major points
of the new criteria.
"This criteria has referred to related international standards,
and has combined guidance documents on bio-safety in labs from the
World Health Organization and relevant countries, with China's
practical experience and industrial regulations. It will be an
advanced and practical rule in lab operation."
The new criteria regulate the management of biological safety
and the structural requirements of labs, as well as the
classification of bio-safety, equipment settings and individual
practices in labs. The criteria classify lab safety into 4 ranks,
and sets different building and evaluation standards for each
rank.
Director of the Standardization Administration of China Li
Zhonghai said as long as the criteria are followed fully and
strictly, the possibility of mishaps is tiny.
"An enforceable standard should be fully carried out according
to its scientific procedure. Only those who have reached the
standard can be approved."
The evaluation of all biological labs will soon begin, and those
that have already got accreditations will be re-evaluated.
The latest SARS cases in China caused by the virus escaping from
a lab have exposed the safety problem in some labs dealing with
highly-pathogenic products.
(CRI.com May 29, 2004)?