What potential hazard must laboratories handling biohazards be prepared to address?

Laboratories handling biohazards must be particularly prepared to address biological spills. Biological spills refer to the accidental release of infectious agents or materials that can pose a risk to human health and the environment. This includes microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or any biologically derived substances that could lead to contamination or spread of disease.

Preparation for biological spills involves implementing specific protocols to safely contain and clean up the spill, minimizing exposure to laboratory personnel and preventing environmental contamination. Laboratories typically have designated biosafety cabinets, personal protective equipment (PPE), and biohazard waste disposal methods to effectively manage these types of incidents.

While other potential hazards like chemical spills, electrical fires, and radiation exposure are indeed critical for general laboratory safety, they do not specifically relate to the unique risks posed by handling biological materials. Each category of hazard has its own set of safety protocols, but for laboratories dealing directly with biohazards, biological spills are the primary concern that necessitates special attention and preparedness.