Biological

Many Texas A&M University faculty, staff and students work directly or indirectly with materials that can be a source of infection or disease in the event of an injury or other unprotected exposure.

In the event of any accident or injury involving known or potential exposure to biohazards, immediately report the incident to your supervisor and to the Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP).

How do I report?

During regular university business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Call BOHP at 979-845-6649, or email BOHP@tamu.edu.

Outside of regular university business hours (weekdays after 5 p.m., weekends and holidays): Call the Texas A&M Communication Center at 979-845-4311.

What do I report?

• Any skin-piercing injury (cut, needle stick, scratch, etc.) by an object contaminated with a biohazard.
• Any skin-piercing injury (bite, scratch) from an animal with a known or suspected disease infectious to people.
• Any known or suspected contact with a bat, even if the person has no visible bite or scratch.
• Any splash or spray of biohazard material into the eyes, nose, mouth, or onto broken skin.
  
  

What are biohazards?

• Pathogens that can cause disease in humans: bacteria, parasites, viruses, toxins, fungi and prions
• Materials (e.g. blood, body fluids, unfixed tissues or tissue cultures) potentially containing pathogens
• Recombinant DNA and/or RNA

Give immediate first aid for minor injuries, including washing wounds with soap and water or rinsing mucous membranes with water for 15 minutes to remove as much contaminated material as possible.