World Health Organization launches a mobile app for biosafety risk assessment
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Risk Assessment Tool (RAST) for Biosafety and Laboratory Biosecurity, developed to help with laboratory risk assessment. Laboratory workers are reported to be up to 1,000 times more vulnerable to infections compared to the general population.
Aim Behind the App
- RAST is designed to complement the WHO Laboratory biosafety manual’s (LBM4) risk- and evidence-based approach.
- It reflects the first two steps of the risk assessment framework outlined in the LBM4: gather information and evaluate the risks.
- The app aims to increase understanding of hazards and risks, and to promote thorough assessment and adherence to biological safety practices for laboratory staff.
App Characteristics
- While many biosafety/biorisk assessment apps tend to be informational, the app developed by WHO is logic-based and capable of performing complex risk calculations.
- It allows the user to gather information about the hazards associated with their intended work in either a research laboratory, diagnostics laboratory or field work settings.
Reommendations for Use
- RAST should only be used as advice to consider suitable risk control measures.
- As risk control measures differ between regions, WHO recommends performing a complete manual risk assessment in accordance with LBM4 or any other suitable risk assessment approach.
- The app can be download on Android or IOS.
