When to Perform and Review a Laboratory Risk Assessment

A periodic assessment of laboratory risk is important. When experiments, processes, and

technology change, so does the risk. A risk assessment should therefore be performed and
reviewed periodically - perhaps annually - although an organization should consider conducting
a risk assessment more often as circumstances warrant, for example, following the occurrence
of problems or if laboratory practices change.
Ideally, a laboratory should perform an initial risk assessment before any work is started. A risk
assessment should also be done whenever a change occurs. Examples of activities or events
that will change risk and warrant a reassessment include:
1. new infectious agents, toxins, reagents or other dangerous substances
2. new animal species, model, or route of administration of biological agents
3. new procedures and practices
4. new equipment
5. personnel changes
6. aging of equipment
7. advances in scientific understanding and technology
8. a recent or “near-miss” accident, theft, or security violation
9. national or regional changes in disease status
10. national, regional or local changes in threat environment or security environment
11. new local or national regulations
After reviewing the results of the risk assessment, measures should be made to amend or
update, as necessary. It is important to perform a risk assessment regularly or at a predefined
frequency.
Documentation is critical for future reviews when evaluating performance.