ISSA/GBAC Expert Leads Biorisk Standardization Efforts

The handling of biological materials in laboratories and other facilities is a crucial yet risky task for workers in several industries. A working group, which includes Patty Olinger, executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, has developed a biorisk management system to help organizations identify, control, and manage the risks related to this task, according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

ISO 35001, Biorisk Management for Laboratories and Other Related Organizations, is the first international standard created for a biorisk management system. It defines the requirements and guidance for laboratories or any other organization that works with biological agents to control and reduce any risks associated with their use.

“ISO 35001 provides organizations and individuals with a roadmap of how to organize and systematically manage and structure their biological risk programs,” said Olinger. “This is increasingly important to protect our global public health infrastructure as our world becomes more and more integrated.”