Interim guidance on infection control measures for 2009 H1N1 influenza in healthcare settings, including protection of healthcare personnel.

www.absa.org Applied Biosafety Vol. 14, No. 4, 2009 pants as uncomfortable and could result in increased potential exposure to any hazardous materials being used in the laboratory. So, should the doors be closed? Yes, the building is designed to work with the doors closed. Are the closed doors really an inconvenience for those working in the laboratory? They may think they are, but considering the alternatives, keeping the doors closed is a small price to pay. Red lights at intersections are an inconvenience to me when I’ve failed to correctly plan how long it will take me to get somewhere, but they are a necessity and I’ve learned to put up with them. The researchers in the laboratory should understand the need for keeping the doors closed and learn to close them for their own safety and for the safety of others in the building. Question How do you deal with the situation where a number of different researchers share open laboratories and different hazards are present? Should you provide information about all hazards including biologicals, chemicals, and radioactive materials that are present anywhere in the lab to all personnel in the lab?