Glossary · Hazards and harm
Biological hazard
In machine safety, a biological hazard is a hazard arising from biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, molds or fungi, or from materials contaminated with them.
- Machine safety
- Risk assessment
- Maintenance
In one sentence
A biological hazard on machinery comes from microorganisms or contaminated material, typical of food processing, coolant systems and waste handling.
Example
On a meat-processing conveyor, residues in hard-to-clean zones can harbor bacteria; the manual specifies cleaning intervals, hygienic design features and gloves for the cleaning crew.
How it applies
- Machine safety: Biological hazards are typical of food, pharmaceutical, agricultural and waste-handling machinery, but they also occur where water-based coolants or process water can become contaminated. Include them in the risk assessment even when the machine itself is not the source.
- Design: Hygienic design (cleanable surfaces, no dead zones, drainable areas) reduces the hazard at the source. Personal protective equipment is the last layer.
- Technical documentation: The maintenance manual must state cleaning and disinfection procedures, intervals, compatible agents and the protective equipment required. Describe the safe handling of contaminated parts and waste.
- Evidence: Record the agents considered, the exposure routes (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, injection) and the measures chosen.
Biological hazard vs. chemical hazard
A chemical hazard comes from substances whose effect depends on their properties and dose. A biological hazard comes from living organisms or their products, which can multiply. The cleaning agents used against a biological hazard can themselves be a chemical hazard.