Research involving high-risk pathogensis is essential for the development...
...of new detection methods and therapies for diseases such as Q fever...
...and emerging pathogens, such as MERS-corona and influenza viruses.
We work with this high-risk material as safely as possible...
...in order to protect both ourselves and the environment: biosafety.
To supplement biosafety, biosecurity can prevent pathogens...
...falling into the wrong hands.
Even just the threat of a pathogen can have a disrupting effect on society.
But knowledge about pathogens can also be used to damage society.
By applying biosecurity measures, we can reduce the risk of spread...
...of both dangerous pathogens and confidential information.
These measures consist of 8 areas of focus: the 8 pillars of good practice...
...which are all relevant to good policy on biosecurity.
Only authorised persons have access to high-risk pathogens.
However, physical barriers may become breached unintentionally.
This is why the culture within an organisation and the behaviour...
...of its employees is so important.
And for example, why strangers should not be let in or given a lift.
Laboratory safety also requires careful selection of new personnel.
High-risk laboratories can supplement their regular security measures...
...through extra screening of employees.
By requiring a certificate of conduct, for example.
In 2001, 5 people died after receiving a letter containing anthrax spores.
These may have come from a laboratory where an employee was working on his own at night.
Colleagues should be encouraged to watch out for deviant behaviour, and to report it.
External personnel may also come into close contact...
...with high-risk pathogens and confidential information.
In which case appropriate measures should be taken.
It is essential that high-risk material is properly registered...
...and that materials are safely stored.
The transport of high-risk pathogens by third parties is governed...
...by legislation that must be complied with.
Access to open Wi-Fi networks allows us to communicate digitally almost everywhere.
But anyone who uses an unsecured network...
...exchanges confidential information in public...
...or loses such information, runs the risk of their computer...
...being hacked and information falling into the wrong hands.
It is therefore essential that management includes the responsibility...
...for biosecurity in an organisation's infrastructure.
So that sufficient time and resources are available to guarantee safety.
The code of conduct on biosecurity is a good starting point in this respect.
Agreements with the emergency services and the security regions are important...
...for a rapid response to emergencies involving dangerous pathogens...
...in order to limit their spread as much as possible.
If biosecurity is regularly discussed in all layers of an organisation...
...it helps to detect any failings that are not immediately obvious in daily practice.
It is important that we thoroughly protect high-risk pathogens...
...and what we know about them.
By focusing on all 8 pillars of good practice, biosecurity can be...
...implemented in your organisation.
The Biosecurity Office can provide you with information...
...and support for implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures.