Health and safety: handling faecal sludge in the Pollution Research Group’s laboratory facilities

The Pollution Research Group (PRG) is a WASH research laboratory that is well experienced in handling hazardous biological agents. Handling FS requires intricate knowledge of health and safety protocols and good laboratory practices. Safety is the first priority when handling hazardous biological materials as these materials could potentially carry infectious pathogens that can cause harm to handlers. Precautions should be taken by all stakeholders involved in sampling, transporting and analysing the biohazardous material. There is still a need to bring awareness to new FS laboratories as employers have the responsibility of educating all employees and researchers exposed to hazardous biological materials.