Browsing by Author "Hunt, DL"

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    Assessment of bioaerosol reduction methods in stem cell transplant units at a University Hospital
    (IAQ Conference, 2004-12-01) Alderman, TS; Thomann, WR; Hunt, DL
    Severely immunocompromised patients, such as those who have undergone stem cell transplantation, must be housed in a protective environment to reduce the risk of acquiring health care-associated fungal infections. This 11-month study was conducted at Duke University Hospital to evaluate the efficacy of the existing engineering controls (EC) for two such protective units: the pediatric stem cell transplant unit (PTU) and the adult stem cell transplant unit (ATU). In addition, a standard intensive care unit (ICU) was included as a "control" nursing unit. The engineering controls evaluated during the study included high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration of supply air, supplemental HEPA refiltration, air change rates, directional airflow in patient rooms, positive pressure gradient (directional air flows) throughout the unit, and an interlocked airlock. Significant performance differences were identified when the bioaerosol sampling data from the three units were compared. These differences were found related to the presence and performance of the evaluated engineering controls. The concentration of airborne fungal spores in the PTU, which was equipped with all of the evaluated engineering controls performing at design specification, was found less than both the ATU (p = 0.0007) and the ICU (p = 0.001). This suggests that utilizing an appropriate combination of engineering control measures is an effective means of controlling airborne bioburden. This study also provides evidence of the importance of supplemental HEPA refiltration and the establishment and maintenance of a strong positive pressure gradient (>2.5 pascals). © 2004 ASHRAE.
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    Strategies for Coping with Multiple Biological Safety Regulations in High-Containment Laboratories
    (Anthology of Biosafety XII: Managing Challenges for Safe Operations of BSL3/ABSL3 Facilities, 2011) Hunt, DL
    The increase in biological safety regulations and/or guidelines regarding personnel and facilities in high containment laboratories demands constant vigilance by biological safety professionals responsible for safety in these environments. Safety professionals have been faced with legislative compliance issues in the past and have developed effective management methods to cope with the demands of these requirements. Examples include the impact of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recombinant DNA (rDNA) Guidelines and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This chapter will attempt to describe seven successful strategies for management of regulatory compliance in research that are based on an overall philosophy of developing a “culture of safety”. Strategies range from interactive involvement with administration and research staff to biological safety professional development.