Biosafety as a Profession

		Ethics Statement Members of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical manner as they practice their profession. ABSA members should: Maintain personal integrity and act responsibly to uphold the integrity of the profession. Avoid situations, and actively work to prevent occurrences presenting a conflict of interest or that will compromise professional judgement. Provide biological safety services only in areas of competence. Follow recognized biological safety guidelines and standards as set forth by established professional groups or local, state and federal governmental agencies, centers, or institutes, in performing work in biological safety. Provide information regarding potential risks to employee or environmental health and precautions needed to avoid adverse effects. Maintain confidentiality regarding services provided.

The concept of Biological Safety (or biosafety) has paralleled the development of the science of microbiology and its extension into new and related areas (tissue culture, recombinant DNA, animal studies, and biotechnology). The knowledge and skill gained by microbiologists necessary to isolate, manipulate and propagate pathogenic microorganisms required parallel development of containment principles, facility design, and practices and procedures to prevent occupational infections in the biomedical environment or release of the organisms to the environment.

The field of biosafety promotes safe laboratory practices, procedures, and proper use of containment equipment and facilities; stimulates responsible activities among laboratory workers; and provides advice on laboratory design. Biosafety professionals include microbiologists, biologists, molecular biologists, environmental health scientists, industrial hygienists, clinical health care professionals, veterinarians, chemists and engineers. Regardless of their background and education, they must develop knowledge of the principles of epidemiology, disease transmission patterns, risk-assessment management, disinfection and sterilization, disease prevention, aerobiology and environmental control. Ultimately, biosafety is the responsibility of all persons who manipulate pathogenic microorganisms and recombinant DNA molecules.