Modeling exercise to test simultaneous response to a biological spill and fire alarm

Abstract

The objective of the modeling exercise that is described here was to test the existing procedures of fire alarm and biologicalmaterial spill response at the same time by qualified and trained staff under a sudden and unexpected stressful condition. The samesimulation exercise was conducted in 2 different laboratory facilities: the Kutaisi and Batumi zonal diagnostic laboratories, whichare parts of a laboratory network of the National Center of Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) of Ministry of Labor,Health and Social Affairs (MOLHSA) in Georgia, and this was the first time such an exercise was done at these biosafety level 2facilities. The reasonably designed scenario of this exercise allowed us to manage all response-related processes to ensure theywere done smoothly, effectively, and in a safe manner. Forming a committee, developing scenario and timeline for the event,assigning observers and evaluators, preparing an evaluation checklist, contracting with the Fire Safety and Rescue Service for theirresponse, and planning in-briefing and out-briefing sessions with all participants were done by laboratory directors and biosafetyofficers under the mentoring of an external biosafety and biosecurity group. The exercise revealed a number of problems with afull building evacuation and subsequent cleanup of the biological spill. The recommendations and planned corrective measureswere compiled in the report written with the collaboration of supervising and laboratory responders. Conducting the modelingexercise in addition to trainings is an excellent tool to assess plans and procedures, as well as maintain constant preparedness foraccidents/incidents and emergencies under biologically hazardous working conditions.