COMPANYS NAME:

ADDRESS:
TEL / FAX:
EMAIL:

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERASITY

SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
6316 2810 / 6791 3856
ttin@ntu.edu.sg

DATE OF APPROVAL: 7 September 2011

Validated by :

SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (ERP)

(BSL3 Facility)

Version (5)

School of Biological Sciences

60 Nanyang Drive
Singapore 637551
September 2011

Contents
Content Page ..
Table of Records .
1) Emergency Plan Revision
2) Emergency Exercise Conducted

Page
2
4
4
4

Emergency Response Plan

1 Situation ...

5
5

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Area of Operation .
1.2.1 Location of Installation and its main access road
1.2.2 General Description of surroundings and neighboring premises and
installations
1.2.3 Layout of the installation
1.2.4 Location, storage and quantities of hazardous products
1.2.5 Description of process areas
1.3 Hazard and Risk Assessment ....
1.3.1 Main Areas where hazards present on site
1.3.2 Descriptions of all Possible Scenario(s)

6
6
6
7
7
8

2 Aim

3 Execution .

3.1 Concept of Operations .

3.2 Emergency Actions by installation .
3.2.1 Procedure to notify SCDF and POLICE
3.2.1.1 Notification during office hours and after office hours
3.2.1.2 Workers population during day and night
3.3 Grouping and Tasks .........
3.4 Coordinating Instructions ....
3.4.1 Key Personnel Emergency Contact Numbers
3.4.2 Contacts of Neighboring Companies
3.4.3 Sector Boundaries
3.4.4 Reporting / Alerting SCDF/SPF
3.4.5 Control Points
3.4.6 Safety and Others
3.4.6.1 Emergency Procedures

3.4.6.2 Emergency Shutdown Procedures

3.4.6.3 Resume operations

9
9
10
10
10
11
11
11
12
13
13
13
14
14
14
14

15

Service Support

4.1 Fire Protection System

4.2 Containment equipment
2

5
5
5

15
15

4.3 Safety and First Aid equipment

4.4 Manpower / In-house Emergency Response Team

15
16

Command and Signal ..

16

5.1 Command
(Incident Organization Chart)
5.2 Signal
(Communication Flowchart)

16
17

References. 17
Annex (1) (11)
1. Location Maps of BSL3 Facility
2. Laboratory Layout
3. Biohazard Spill
4. Chemical / Radioactive Spill
5. Explosions Centrifuge / Autoclave
6. Medical Emergencies
7. Fire and Exit procedures
8. Accidents during Transportation
9. Emergencies Notification procedures
10. Roles and Responsibilities of Emergency Response Team
11. Incident Notification form IN01

Table of Records of Emergency Plan Revision

S/
N

Plan
Version

Date of
Exercise*

Date of
Approval

5/7/07

15/6/07

Name and
Appointment of
Approving
Officer
James P Tam

1
2

2/8/08

2/8/08

Alex Law Sai-Kit

3/12/09

22/9/09

Alex Law Sai-Kit

10/12/10

27/10/10

Alex Law Sai-Kit

Scheduled in
November

7/9/2011

Mark
Featherstone

Signature of
Approving
Officer

Remarks

Note: Date of Exercise Date where the newly drafted / revised emergency plan been validated
the plan. Emergency Plan should only be endorsed and approved after it has been exercised and
validated with SCDF.
Table of Records of Emergency Exercise Conducted
S/
N

Date of
Exercise

5/7/07

2/8/08

3/12/09

10/12/10

2011

Comments

Appointment of
Conducting Officer

Drill has been carried out in

accordance to both facility
response plan as well as SCDF
procedures
Drill has been successfully
conducted at 6:30 am to 7:30 am

LTC Francis Ng
MAJ David Chow
LTA Lee
LTA Diane Tiu
MAJ Eric Chua
LTA Md Ridzuan Zainal
Abidin
LTA Md Nurelfi Nordin
LTC Francis Ng
MAJ Eric Chua

Drill conducted at 6 am 7:30

am.
Observers- MOH Officers
Drill conducted at 6 am 7:00 am LTC Francis Ng
Audited by MOH Biosafety
CPT Ng Wee Boon
Branch
SCDF Fire & HAZMAT
Scheduled with SCDF in
November

Note: Emergency Exercise shall be conducted at least once a year.

Signature of
Conducting
Officer

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (ERP)

1.
1.1

SITUATION
Introduction
The Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Facility is operated by the Nanyang Technological
University School of Biological Sciences (NTU-SBS). The BSL3 facility is
applicable to biological research experiments which involve high risk biological
agents. Users have specific and appropriate training to work in the laboratory safely
and are supervised by competent scientists who have experience in such areas of
work.
Accidents still happen in spite of safety program in a laboratory. Good safety
program, training and use of precautions will help reduce the number and
seriousness of accidents, but nothing can prevent all accidents.
Safety should be your highest priority if you work in high risk environments. The
standard operating procedures (SOP) will only provide you basic information that
can be used as a guideline and reference. It is your own responsibility to work
safety in a laboratory and how well you carry out these responsibilities provides the
answer to maximum safety. Your attitude to safety counts, because you are the one
doing the work.

1.2

Area of Operations
1.2.1

Location of Installation and its main access road

Location of installation is 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551. There
are two possible entrances for the premises from Nanyang drive one
direct entry to level 2 and the other entry to level 1, at different end of the
building and through stair wells or lift, which leads to BSL3 facility at
level 2. There is an underground link between SBS main building and
ARF at level 1 but this route is no direct access to BSL3 facility.

1.2.2

General Description of the surroundings and neighboring premises

of the installation
There are two neighboring occupancies, the School of Biological
Sciences (SBS) main building and the School of Chemical and
Biomedical Engineering (CBE), on the other side of Nanyang drive.
(Annex 1 Location map)

1.2.3

Layout of installation
The building is a two storey stand alone and the BSL3 laboratory occupies
one room (about 50 sqm) at the second level. The maintenance engineering
room is on the roof top. The rest of areas are occupied by the Animal
Research Facility. (Annex 2)

1.2.4

Location, storage and quantities of Hazardous products, chemicals

and gases
The biological agents are stored in -80C freezer. The freezer is inside the
BSL3 laboratory and the stock is controlled under lock and key.
There will be minimal use of chemicals and gases in the laboratory.
Alcohol (flammable, but 70%) is used for surface decontamination. There
is no bulk storage of chemicals or gases. The working and diluted chemical
solutions are kept in the cupboard or shelves inside the laboratory.

1.2.5

Description of Process Areas (including summary of the Process and

operations carried out)
The research experiments are carried out using chemicals or reagents at very
low concentrations. Commonly used items such as cell culture media, buffer
solutions, antibodies, weak staining solutions, etc may cause biohazards
rather than physical hazards.
All high risk biological agents such as viruses and bacteria will be handled
inside the Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC). A class II B1 BSC has been
installed inside the laboratory. All wastes, solid or liquid, will be
decontaminated by autoclaving before disposal.
The research experiments are planned to be carried out during normal office
hours. The reason is that biosafety and biosecurity are main concerns.
Off-hour working requires written permission from the Facility Director /
Facility Manager.

Summary of Processes at various locations in the laboratory

S/N

Operations / Activities

Process Areas

Handling of Biological Agents - unpacking , culturing,

sub-culturing, diluting, opening of centrifuge buckets,
waste disposal, etc (BSL3)

BSC (Class II B1)

Concentrating, separating the liquid, centrifugation (BSL3)

Centrifuge ( buckets with

safety covers)

Preparation, experimental steps, microscopic examination,

recording, communications, etc (BSL3)

Working bench

Storage of biological agents identification, quantity,

responsible personnel (BSL3)

Freezer (Under lock &

key)

Decontamination of wastes solid or liquid

Autoclave

1.3 Hazard and Risk Assessment

1.3.1

Main Areas where hazards present on site

Biological spills will be most common hazards happened in the BSL3
laboratory. Authorized users are trained in handling and clean up of
biological spills. The SOP for spill managements and biological spill kit are
available.
Other areas of hazards can be laboratory equipment. There is an autoclave
for decontamination of hazardous materials before removal from the
laboratory. The autoclave uses very high pressure (15 psi) and high
temperature (121C).
High speed centrifuge is used for the experiments inside the laboratory.
Improper use of centrifuge can cause accidental hazards.
Use of open fire or flame is not allowed inside the laboratory. Electrical
shocks by laboratory instrument may cause fire, but safety devices such as
automatic cut-off and controls are installed.
There is a minimal use of sharp items in the BSL3 laboratory. Plastic
laboratory wares are applied wherever available rather than glass. Sharp
items are handled with care and disposed into sharp waste boxes.
Toxic or hazardous chemicals (at low working concentrations) may be kept
and used in the laboratories. The MSDS of each chemical is available.

1.3.2

Descriptions of ALL possible scenarios

Emergency conditions
Biohazard Spill

Scenarios
Major spill / clean up
Small volume spill
Biohazard spill in BSC
Biohazard spill in centrifuge

Chemical / Radioactive Spills during experiment

Spill

Control measures
Protocols for biohazard spill
(Annex 3)

Protocol for chemical

radioactive spill (Annex 4)

Explosions

Centrifuge / Autoclave (Failures to

follow the SOPs)

Protocol for explosion

(Annex 5)

Medical Emergency

Splash to the eyes

Cuts, Abrasions and animal bites
Thermal burns
Serious medical emergency
Fire alarm
Normal Laboratory exit
Evacuation exit

Protocols
for
medical
emergency (Annex 6)

Fire Emergency

Road Traffic Accident

Accident during
biological agents

transport

Protocols for Fire and

Laboratory exits procedures
(Annex 7)
of Protocols for Transportation
and packaging (Annex 8)

AIM

The aim of this emergency response plan is to detail the various preventive measures and
operational actions that need to be undertaken by the NTU-SBS BSL3 facility, to contain any
hazard leaks, spill and control or extinguish any fire in the event of a emergency situations
that occur within the installation and so to prevent and reduce injury to personnel and
minimize property damage and loss.

EXECUTION
3.1 Concept of Operations
The emergency operation to be conducted in phases is as follows:
Phase
I
II

III

Action
BSL-3 staff and authorized users carry out initial response and
alert SCDF / Police
SCDF / SPF predetermined turnout response to the scene for
mitigation, containment, security cordoning, evacuation and
rescue activities.
To conduct major operation for containment and minimize risks
with other related agencies
To clean up / decontaminate and resume normal operations.

IV

3.2

Emergency Actions by installation

The initial response and the emergency actions will be carried out by the NTU-SBS
personnel. In the situations of emergency beyond own controls, cooperation of other
departments such as SCDF and Singapore Police Force (SPF) will be obtained.
Emergency Services
Phone
995
995
999
6790 5200
6793 6828
6790 4777
6514 8392
63162803

Department
Fire Brigade (SCDF)
Ambulance (SCDF)
Police
Campus Security
NTU Medical Centre
NTU Fault Reporting Centre
SBS-ERT

Remark

24 hours
Located in South Spine
24 hours

3.2.1 Procedure to notify SCDF and POLICE

3.2.1.1 Notification

procedure during office hour and after office hour

In the events of emergency, Site Main Controller (SMC), Site Incident

Commander (SIC), Emergency Response Team (ERT), SCDF and SPF
shall be notified. The notification procedures depend on the level of
emergency.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for various emergency situations
have been adopted. (Annex 3 Annex 9)
-

Fire

Chemical Spillage

Biological Spillage

Medical Emergency

Any occurrence of incident resulting in an emergency alarm, the in-house

emergency response will be activated and the SIC will be notified. The SIC
will inform SCDF / SPF after initial assessment of the situation. The SIC
will be the liaison officer with the SCDF ground commander and will
provide information and assistance
3.2.1.2 Workers population during day and night

Location

Office hours

Occupants
(office hours)

Off hours

Occupants
(Off hours)

BSL3 Facility

8:30 17:30

2-5

17:30 8:30

Animal Facility

8:30 17:30

4 - 10

17:30 8:30

0-3

The research experiments are planned to conduct during normal office

hours only. It is required to have special arrangements for working on off
hours and public holidays.

10

3.3

Grouping and Tasks

SMC is the senior member of the installation management. He is the person who is overall
in-charge of the emergency response operations in the installation and liaises with senior
officials of government agencies such as SCDF, SPF, etc.
SMC = Mark Featherstone (Chair of the SBS)
SIC is a senior member of the installation supervisory staff. He is overall the actual ground
response operations. He / she is to provide assistance and information to SCDF ground
commander during operation.
SIC = Tin Tun (BSL3 Facility Manager)
Emergency responders are current laboratory users from research groups and maintenance
contractors. They will actively participate in emergency response activities under the
supervision of SIC or SMC.
ERT members = SBS Emergency Team
The Emergency Team stands for the whole school including BSL-3 facility.
Their role and responsibilities are specified. (Annex 10).

3.4

Coordinating Instructions
3.4.1

Key Personnel Emergency Contact Numbers

The NTU-SBS BSL 3 Facility is operated under the responsibility of the Biosafety
Committee headed by the Director of the facility. The committee members are:
Name

Role in BSL 3

Contact Number

Jaume Torres

Chairperson

6316 2857

Kathy Luo Qian

Member

6790 4257

Sze Chun Chau

Member

6316 2872

Richard Sugrue

Member

6316 2889

Ong Teng Ting

Member

6316 8852

Joseph Chua

Member

6592 7556

Tin Tun

Biosafety Coordinator

6316 2810

11

The following key personnel are contactable in case of emergency happened in BSL 3
facility and Animal Research facility.

Name

Telephone (Office
hours)

Telephone (Off
hours)

Contact 1

6316 2810

97535466

Armando Grospe Animal Facility Contact 2

Agustin
Manager

631602921

91293217

Tin Tun

3.4.2

Designation
BSL 3 Manager

Emergency
Appointment

Contacts of Neighbors and Other Departments

In the event of the incident escalating beyond the boundaries of the installation, the
neighboring occupancies must be informed.

Neighboring building
SBS (Main)
SBS (FPM)

Name of contact
Lim Fui Nee
Ng Cheng Poh

Designation

Telephone

Administration
Facilities Management

Chemical & Biomedical Cheong Wee Ming

Engineering (CBE)

Administration
Manager

63162806
67904666

Assist. 6513 7687

It is required to inform and notify the following NTU departments. Facilities

Planning & Management (FPM) officials will provide main assistance in
emergency situations and take actions for contacting relevant departments and
term contractors who work for the university.

Name

Department

Contact

Lee Kien Wah

Liew Sai Weng
Ong Lai Seng
Tan Ah Lim
Zaw Min
Linda Koh Sok Yee
Samantha Ang
Wong Oi May

OHS (CHSO)
FPM
FPM
RTP (FPM)
NIE
CEE
Library
Library

6313 2736
6790 5181
6790 6005
6790 5615
6790 3669
6790 5325
6790 5643
6790 4037

12

3.4.3

Sector Boundaries
To identify the various sectors of operations so as to determine the potential hazard
zones and evacuation zones.
Note: The incident site will be sectorised into HOT, WARM and COLD zone
during emergency. The definitions of the various zones are as follows:
Hot Zone This is the area around the incident that required all personnel entering
to be fully protected by means of Breathing Apparatus sets and proper protective
clothing and to be decontaminated upon leaving the zone.
Warm Zone This is the area directly outside Hot Zone. All personnel in this zone
should be equipped with Breathing Apparatus and if situation requires, done the
mask for full protection against toxic hazard gas,
Cold Zone This is non-hazard zone outside the Warm Zone.

3.4.4

Reporting / Alerting SCDF / SPF

The SIC will inform SCDF / SPF after initial assessment of emergency situation.
To activate the SCDF / SPF the following information are required to provide.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Specific location of the incidents

Type of accident
Chemical involved
Biological agents involved
Leakage with or without fire
Casualties involved

Upon arrival of SCDF ground commander, the SIC will marry up with SCDF
ground commander and provide all necessary information.
1.
2.
3.
4.
3.4.5

Location map in details

Incident in brief
Actions that ERT have done
Communication device & Evacuation equipment

Control Points
SBS Meeting point: Along Nanyang Drive opposite the SBS main entrance
(Assembly area / Reporting and First Aid Points)
1. All personnel stand by for evacuation
2. Evacuate to meeting point
3. Follow the exit signs
4. Do not use lift
5. Assemble for roll call
6. Do not return to building until all clear

13

.
3.4.6

Safety and Others

1. Biosafety & Operations Manual (NTU-SBS BSL3)

2. Safety & Operations Manual (NTU-SBS)
3. Standard Operating Procedures (NTU-SBS)
These manuals of other safety measures rather than Emergency Response Plan (ERP) have
been adopted by the facilities to minimize the risks involved during an emergency. In
emergency situations the following procedures are also to be applied.
3.4.6.1 Emergency Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Biological spill Refer to Annex 3

Chemical / Radioactive spill Refer to Annex 4
Explosion Centrifuge / autoclave Refer to Annex 5
Medical emergencies Refer to Annex 6
Fire and Exit Procedures Refer to Annex 7
Accident during Transportation Refer to Annex 8
Notification Procedures Refer to Annex 9

3.4.6.2 Emergency Shutdown Procedures

The SMC coordinates with Incident Manager from external emergency
organizations (SCDF, SPF, NEA, etc) and works closely during
consequence management activities. He authorizes the shut down of
operation in the installation and instructs the facility manager to do so.
Notifying the director / Biosafety Committee immediately of any incident
or problem which compromises the safety or the integrity of the facility,
the BSL3 facility manager will shut down the facility until safety condition
is sustained. The ARF manager will notify the IACUC immediately and
shut down the facility.
3.4.6.3 Resume operations
The SMC assists the Incident Manager in determining the termination of
emergency and authorizing re-entry upon complete recovery.
The facilities can resume normal operations if emergency situations will
not compromise especially biosafety conditions and appropriate clean up
procedures have been carried out.
The BSL3 facility may require decontamination procedures before
operation. Then the professional contractor must carry out the
decontamination of the laboratory in accordance with biosafety guidelines.

14

SERVICE SUPPORT

4.1

Fire Protection Systems

Description of detection system such as smoke, fire fighting monitoring and gas
detection, leakage detection system, wind vane/wind sock etc available in
installation and their locations are as follow.
1. Fire Command Centre

Location
SBS-B4N-01 (Basement 4)

PA/ Intercom System

Yes

Main Alarm Panel

Yes

2. Fire Alarm System

S / No
1
2

Location of Main Alarm Panel

SBS-B4N-01 (Basement 4)
SBS-B4N-01 (Basement 4)

Sub-Alarm Panels
Animal Facility (Level 1)
Animal Facility & BSL3 (Level 2)

3. Fire Suppression and Detection System

Description
Smoke Detector
Hose Reel
Manual call point
Fire Extinguisher
Flasher
Alarm Bell

4.2

Quantity
9
5
9
10
3
8

Locations
5 at level 1, 2 at level 2, 2 at roof top
2 at level 1, 2 at level 2, 1 at roof top
4 at level 1, 4 at level 2, 1 at roof top
4 at level 1, 5 at level 2, 1 in BSL3 lab
3 in BSL3 lab
3 at level 1, 4 at level 2, 1 at roof top

Containment equipment (leak control, spill control, Absorbents, etc)

Biological Spill kit, absorbent paper, disinfectant, tong or forceps, brush and dust
pan, etc are available in the BSL3 laboratory.
Chemical Spill kit, absorbent paper, powder, neutralizing reagents and clean up
equipment are available in the BSL3 laboratory.

4.3

Safety and First Aid Equipment

Basic First Aid kits are available inside the laboratories.
Eye wash stations and safety shower are also available inside the ante-room of
BSL3 facility.

15

4.4

Manpower / In-house Emergency Response Team

SMC Top Management
SIC Appointed by Management (Facility Managers)
ERT members SBS Emergency Team
NTU coordinators FPM, Security and Fault Report Centre
Role and responsibilities of related personnel are specified in Annex 10.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

5.1

Command
Incident Organization Chart
Key responsible personnel in emergency situations are SMC, SIC, ERT members,
Facilities management, Campus Security and Fault Reporting Centre.

Incident Organization Chart (NTU-SBS)

Site Main
Controller
(SMC)

Site Incident
Commander
(SIC)

(ERT)

(ERT)

(ERT)

* = Campus Security, Fault Reporting Centre

16

NTU
departments*

(ERT)

Emergency
Response
Team

5.2

Signal
Communication Flowchart

Communication flow between Site Main controller, SCDF Incident Manager, site
incident commander, SCDF ground commander and in-house emergency response team
members are as follow. The means of communication between each party depend on
urgency and will be in various ways Telephone, email, walkie-talkie, personal contact,
etc.

Communication in ERP

NTU
Departments*

SMC

SCDF Incident
Manager

SIC

SCDF Ground
Commander

ERT
* = Campus Security, Fault Reporting Centre

References

Biological Agents and Toxins Act, Singapore

Biosafety and Operations manual, NTU-SBS
Safety and Operations Manual, NTU-SBS
SCDF Guidelines for company ERP

17

Annex (1)
SCHEMATIC SITE MAPS OF BSL3/ARF BUILDING

School of Biological Sciences

School of Chemical &
Biomedical Engineering
Bus

Nanyang Drive
Bus

Direct Entrance
To Level 2
Lift To
Level 1

BSL 3 Lab
Lobby

Stair To
Level 1

Level 2

Level 2 of Animal Facility / BSL 3 Facility Building

School of Biological Sciences

School of Chemical &
Biomedical Engineering
Bus

Nanyang Drive
Bus

Direct Entrance
To Level 1

Under ground Tunnel Entrance

from SBS To Level 1

Lift To
Level 2

Animal Research Facility

Lobby

Stair To
Level 2
Level 1

Level 1 of Animal Facility / BSL 3 Facility Building

18

Annex (2)
Detailed Floor Plan for BSL3 and Animal Research Facility

NTU-SBS BSL3 LABORATORY LAYOUT

3M

7.2 M

-20C

BSC

4C

Cupboard
2.1 M

Ante-RM
8.28 sq. M

Work Bench

Table

E
A

Corridor
1.6 M

Shelves
1.2 M

Shower RM
1.62 sq. M

Corridor

Work Bench
4.1 M

ENTRANCE

Airlock-RM
4.5 sq. M

CO2

Emergency Exit

Inc

-80C

Corridor

= Sink
Inc = Incubator

E = Eye wash

A = Autoclave

4C = Fridge

C = Centrifuge

-20C, -80C = Freezers

19

BSC= Biological Safety Cabinet

= CO2 Cylender

4.8 M

ANIMAL RESEARCH FACILITY LAYOUT

20

Annex (3)

BIOHAZARD SPILL IN THE BSL3 LABORATORY

The first step in cleaning up a biohazard spill is to follow established procedures to minimize the
potential for exposure. Fill out and submit Incident Report Form (Annex 11) to BSL3 Facility
Manager for all incidents.

Major Biohazard Spill (>10 ml)

1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Alert ALL laboratory occupants of the spill.

Remove contaminated clothing, turning the exposed area of the clothing inward and
discard it into a biohazard bag for autoclaving. Wash all exposed skin with
antiseptic/soap and water.
Stop all activities and prepare to leave the laboratory immediately for the ante room.
Ensure door to SBS BSL-3 laboratory is closed.
The Emergency Door is not to be used unless the normal exit doors through the ante
room are not accessible.
Post a No Entry sign on the door to the SBS BSL-3 laboratory. Allow the aerosol to
settle for 30 minutes.
Attend to injured or contaminated personnel in the ante room.
Inform the Facility Manager or PI immediately. Exposed personnel will be directed
by the Facility Manager, PI or a SBS BSL-3 Biosafety Committee member for first
aid or post-exposure prophylaxis.

Clean-Up
8.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Put on appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, shoe covers, long-sleeved solid-front gown,
N95 mask or PAPR). Assemble clean-up equipment: fresh 1% virkon / 1% sodium
hypochlorite, forceps, paper towels, biohazard bags, etc. all available in the spill kit.
Pick up broken sharp items with forceps and discard into sharp box. Cover the spill
with paper towels to avoid forming aerosols.
Pour disinfectant over the paper towels initially around the edges of the spill to avoid
further aerosolisation, then into the spill. Avoid splashing.
All spilled material should be in contact with the disinfectant for at least 20 minutes.
Use paper towels to wipe the spill, working from the edges into the centre.
Clean spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
Place towels and all materials worn or used to clean up the spill in a plastic bag for
autoclaving (90 minute cycle, 121C for 20min).
Wash hands and exposed skin areas with antiseptic.
Document the incident with detailed information for future reference.

(Biological spills are to be handled by trained person under supervision of FM/PI)

21

Small Volume Spill (<10 ml)

1.
2.
3.
4.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Biohazard Spill in Biological Safety Cabinets

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Alert all personnel inside the laboratory of spill immediately.

Stop all activities and prepare to leave the laboratory for the ante room.
Post a No Entry sign on the door to the SBS BSL-3 laboratory. Allow the aerosol to
settle for 30 minutes.
Wear appropriate PPE and double layers of gloves.
Cover the spill with paper towels.
Carefully pour a freshly prepared disinfectant solution around the edges of the spill
and then into the spill. The spilled material should be in contact with disinfectant for
at least 20 minutes.
Use paper towels to wipe the spill, working from the edges into the centre.
Clean spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
Place towels and all materials worn or used to clean up the spill in a plastic bag for
autoclaving (90 minute cycle, 121C for 20min).
Wash hands and exposed skin areas with antiseptic soap.
Document the incident in details.

Allow the BSC blower ON for at least 10 min.

Wear appropriate PPE and double layers of gloves and cover the spill with paper
towel
Spray with 1% virkon solution and let the disinfectant stand for at least 20 minutes.
Wipe clean wall, top and underside of tray and exhaust grille.
Put all debris in the bag for autoclaving (90 minute cycle, 121C for 20min).
Wipe clean the BSC with 70% alcohol and leave for 10 min,
Notify the Facility Manager of spill. It may be necessary to decontaminate the interior
of the cabinet.

Biohazard Spill in Centrifuge

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Alert all personnel inside the laboratory of spill immediately. Stop all activities and
prepare to leave the laboratory for the ante room.
Turn the speed to zero. Allow the aerosol to settle for 30 minutes before opening the
centrifuge. Post a No Entry sign on the door to the SBS BSL-3 laboratory.
Inform PI or Facility Manager before continuing with clean-up procedure.
Wear protective clothing and N95 mask or PAPR.
Open up the safety buckets inside the BSC. Place spill contents in a jar containing 1%
virkon solution for at least 20 minutes.
Soak the contaminated buckets in 1% virkon for at least 20 minutes
Rinse the bucket with water thoroughly and autoclave before re-use.
The entire centrifuge must be disinfected immediately with 70% alcohol.
Document the incident in details.

22

Annex (4)

CHEMICAL / RADIOACTIVE SPILL

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Notify all personnel in the laboratory to leave for ante-room.

Inform the PI / Facility Manager.
Leave the laboratory without any activity for 30 min.
Wear appropriate PPE. Use PAPR if necessary.
Select appropriate neutralizer / absorbent agent from the chemical spill kit.
Neutralize chemical spill and collect residue into bag.
Decontaminate the collected residue with 1% virkon / 1 % sodium hypochlorite
disinfectant. Contact time is at least 20 min.
8. Radioactive waste has been left in Perspex box provided in the laboratory to decay (to
negligible proportion) before disposal as hazardous waste.
9. Wipe clean the area of spill with sponge or paper towel soaked in 1 % sodium
hypochlorite.
10. Dispose decontaminated waste and debris in biohazard bags. DO NOT autoclave.
11. Soak equipment used in 1 % sodium hypochlorite for at least 20 min and wash
thoroughly with water.
12. Document in details and submit incident report form (Annex 11).

Annex (5)

EXPLOSIONS CENTRIFUGE / AUTOCLAVE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Immediately inform the PI and Facility Manager.

Carefully check and record all damages in details.
Clean up all the mess. Strictly follow the spillage clean up procedures for
bio-hazardous mess involved.
If someone is hurt, shift the victim into anteroom. Seek medical attention or First Aid
treatments.
Call Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) Hazmat team and NTU Medical Centre
for help if injury is serious
Document the incident (Annex 11) and organize all information as complete as
possible. This document provides important information for any departmental
examination later.

(If you follow the operation manuals for instruments the risk will be relatively low)

23

Annex (6)

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Chemical or Biological Splash to the Eye

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Immediately flush the eye with gentle stream of water for 15 min.
Be careful not to wash the contaminant to the other eye.
Use the emergency eyewash provided in the laboratory and in the anteroom.
Seek medical attention if necessary.
Record incident (Annex 11) and report to the PI and BSL3 manager.

Cuts and Abrasions and Animal bites

1.

4.
5.

Immediately cleanse the wound and surrounding skin with antiseptic soap and running
water and encourage bleeding.
Get first aid box and hold a sterile or clean pad firmly over the wound and apply a
plaster.
If the cut is severe keep the victim lying down (in the anteroom) and raise the bleeding
part higher than the rest of the body.
Seek medical attention if necessary
Record incident (Annex 11) and report to the PI and BSL3 manager.

Thermal Burns

1.
2.
3.
4.

If skin is unbroken, submerge the burned area in clean water.

Do not break any blister and do not use any medication.
Seek medical attention if necessary
Record incident (Annex 11) and report to the PI and BSL3 manager.

Serious Medical Emergencies

2.
3.

(The victim is unconscious due to some medical complications such as heart attack, fall and head
injury, etc.)
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

Take off all personal protected equipment (PPE).

Move the victim into anteroom and let him rest lying down.
Call NTU Medical Centre / ERT / SCDF Hazmat team for help.
Call the personnel who have training in Life Support courses such as Basic Cardiac
Life Support (BCLS), Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS), Occupational First
Aid (OFA), etc.
Inform the PI and Facility Manager.
Document the incident in details.

24

Annex (7)

FIRE
1.

Anyone finding a fire will raise the alarm and summon aid by calling FIRE loudly.

2.

Activate the nearest fire alarm.

3.

Notify personnel in the immediate vicinity.

4.

Attend to human life in danger.

5.

Initiate attack on fire with the appropriate extinguisher when safe to do so.

6.

Turn off electrical equipment, shut doors and evacuate the building following the
emergency exit signs. (Refer to laboratory exit procedures)

7.

Use the Emergency Door ONLY if you are trapped in the SBS BSL-3 laboratory and
if exit through the ante room is not possible.

8.

The sounding of the fire alarm signifies a red alert. All staff who are not part of the
evacuation team must evacuate.

9.

Evacuate via the stair wells. DO NOT USE LIFTS.

10.

Please make your way down the stairs and out of the building in a calm and quiet
manner. Do not rush and keep all doors shut.

11.

If it is not possible to get to the stairwells, then get onto outside balconies. If it is not
possible to get to the stairs from the balcony, wait for the Fire Department to remove
you by ladder.

12.

Evacuate to the SBS meeting point: across Nanyang Drive opposite from the main
entrance of SBS.

13.

Assemble for roll call with other members of your group. Do not leave until your
name has been checked off the list. Do not return to the building until the Fire
Department gives the all clear.

14.

If the fire started within your work area, fill out and submit Incident Notification
Form (Annex 11) and submit to BSL-3 Facility Manager.

25

BSL3 EXITS PROCEDURES

Normal Exit Procedures
Procedures

Purposes

1. Discard gloves into Biohazard bag in

the Laboratory.

Contaminated gloves need to be

autoclaved.

2. Proceed to Ante-Room and remove

PPE. Discard disposable gown, hair
cover, shoe covers and face mask into
biohazard bag.

Those used items are to be autoclaved

before disposal.

3. Wash hands properly. ( Take a shower

if necessary ) Sign the log book.

Personal hygiene and Biosafety

4. Proceed to Airlock Room. Final wash

for hands and leave the laboratory.

The person may be considered clean

and normal. Will not contaminate
environment.

Evacuation Exit Procedures

Procedures

Purposes
To reduce exposure of the outside
environment to hazardous
agents.(Biosafety)

1. DO NOT open Emergency door. Try to

follow normal exit procedures through
Ante-Room and Airlock- Room in a
fastest manner.

The person is considered clean and

normal. Will not contaminate
environment.
2. If really can not use normal exit
procedures (in case of Fire in Ante-Room
or Airlock-Room or blockage), discard
gloves, hair cover, shoe covers and gown
into biohazard bag in the laboratory.

The PPE are not allowed to use

outside BSL 3 laboratory.
(Biosafety)

3. Open Emergency door and leave the

laboratory. In case of fire, DO NOT use
lift.

The person may be quarantined if the

incident happened while handling a
Culture of Risk Group 3
Microorganism.

26

Annex (8)

ACCIDENTS DURING TRANSPORTATION

The BATA Transportation Regulations are to be adhered to when transporting Schedule 1, 2, 3

(quantities aggregating 10 litres or more) and 5 agents on public roads.
1. The driver has undergone Hazmat training course and possessed Hazardous Materials
Transport Driver Permit issued by the SCDF. It is applicable to researchers who
transport BA in their own vehicles.
2. Vehicles have a biohazard label for schedules 1, 2 and 3 or a toxin label for schedule 5
toxin.
3. The driver or transporter has been provided a 24-hr emergency contact number of
transferor or transferee.
4. Materials to be transported must be packed and labeled according to the regulations.
5. On the vehicle, stock safety items gloves, absorbent materials, mask, goggle,
disinfectant, tong / forceps, biohazard bags and tape / masking tape, reflective vest.
Road Traffic Accidents
6.
7.

The driver or transporter puts on reflective vest, gloves and mask.

Inspect the package for any damage. If the package is intact he can proceed to deliver
the package.
8.
Turn off the engine and seal or close doors to contain biological agent.
9.
Call SCDF Hazmat team.
10. Call the responsible personnel (transferor and transferee).
11. Keep the public away from accident site and wait for rescue.
12. Carry out Cleaning and decontamination under supervision of biosafety officer.
13. Report to the MOH Biosafety branch.
14. Document the incident in details.

27

Annex (9)
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
1

Fire
1.1

The first person who discovers the fire will:

1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.1.4
1.1.5

activate the nearest fire alarm call point

call Fault Reporting Centre ( 67904777) / Campus Security (67905200)
confirm location of fire
inform the principal investigator (PI) / BSL3 or ARF manager
attempt to put out the fire if situation permits

1.2

An indication will be displayed at the Control panel as to where the alarm was
activated.

1.3

A signal will automatically be transmitted via the direct line to the NTU Fire
Response Centre (FRC)

1.4

The Campus Security will announce the location of the emergency and the FRC,
the ERT will proceed immediately to the scene of emergency. The SIC will
confirm the nature of the emergency and verify with the alarm monitoring agency.

Chemical / Biological Spillage

2.1

When the accidental spill happens, the users shall:

2.1.1 inform the BSL-3 Manager / Biosafety Coordinator
2.1.2 inform the PI

2.2

The BSL-3 Manager / Biosafety Coordinator to the scene of spillage.

2.3

The BSL-3 Manager / Biosafety Coordinator shall determine the severity of the
spillage and instruct to take one or more of the following actions:
2.3.1 contact the ERT
2.3.2 notify the Pollution Control Department of NEA / MOH
2.3.3 notify SCDF

Medical Emergency
The first person who discovers the emergency shall:
3.1

Apply first aid if he or she is trained.

28

3.2

Contact ERT (First Aiders) / NTU Medical Centre

3.3

inform the Principle Investigator (PI) / BSL3 or ARF Manager

3.4

summon an ambulance by calling:

(i) For non-emergency case, private ambulance at tel no. 1777.
(ii) For emergency case, SCDF ambulance at tel no. 995

3.5

Should the need arise, the BSL-3 Manager / the PI shall instruct an
employee to use his private car to deliver the casualty to the NTU medical
center / nearest hospital.

Hospital
NTU Medical Centre
NUH Hospital

Address
South Spine
Kent Ridge Road

29

Telephone
6793 6828
6772 5000 / 6779 5555

Annex (10)
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
Site Main Controller (SMC)
SMC is the senior member of the installation management. He is the person who is overall
in-charge of the emergency response operations in the installation and liaises with senior
officials of government agencies such as SCDF, SPF, NEA, etc. Under circumstances
whereby the SMC is unable to leave the plant, he/she may appoint another suitable
representative to link up with the Incident Manager at TACT HQ.
The Key Responsibilities of the SMC includes:
(a)

Coordinate the activities of external emergency organizations and work closely with the
Incident Manager at TACT HQ during consequence management.

(b)

Provide TACT HQ with the following information

i) Site Layout Map
ii) Building plan
iii) Company emergency response plan
iv) Companys hazmat inventory and location of hazmat inventory
v) Overall workers population
vi) Incident resources available at site

(c)

Provide the Incident Manager with the necessary information and decisions to any actions
that concerns the company SOPs and policies

(d)

Authorize the shut down of operations in the installation

(e)

Authorize the release of information to the media and government agencies

(f)

Assist the Incident Manager in determining the termination of the emergency and
authorizing re-entry upon complete recovery

Site Incident Controller (SIC)

He/She shall be a senior member of the installation supervisory staff. He is overall of the
actual ground response operations. He/She is to provide assistance and information to
SCDF ground commander during operation.
The Key Responsibilities of SIC includes:
(a)

Establishing the on-site emergency response team

(b)
(c)

Sizing up incident situation and recommending response strategy and tactical plan
Determining incident control zones

30

(d)

Setting up field incident command post

(e)

Commanding and directing emergency response team

(f)

Ensuring emergency responders safety and monitor personnel fatigue and stress

(g)

Deploying emergency equipment and appliances

(h)

Directing rescue operations if necessary

(i)

Maintaining constant communication with SMC and the emergency responders

(j)

Working closely with SCDF emergency officer in charge at the incident command post

(k)

Ensuring proper decontamination of equipment and responders

(l)

Coordinating recovery activities

ERT members
The ERT members should have relevant training to act in various emergency situations.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

On hearing the first alarm, assemble at marshalling area and put on ID Vest;
Attempt to put off or control the fire without taking personal risk;
Assist casualty to marshalling area for medical attention;
Render first aid when needed or proceed to location if called upon;
Deploy to contain spill, clean up and check area, if necessary;
Assist SCDF personnel in areas related to his specialization (if required).

31

Nanyang Technological University

School of Biological Sciences

SBS ENERGENCY TEAM (2011)

Name
Tin Tun
Eugene Lee Hong Yee
Ang Wei Kian Andy
Lew Yi Liang
Kalyanasundaram Nageswari
Wee Yan Ling Karen
Ong Zhi Lin Melissa
Loke Yoke Lan Geraldine
Tay Mei Xia
Armando Grospe Agustin
Eva Chua Pei Shan
Wong Ming Hwa
Khun La Win Myint
Lin Guobin
Myint Zu Myaing
Anand Vasudevan
Tetlak Monika
Soon Cin Huang
Abdollah Allahverdi
Tan Mei Hua
Dai Liang
Ding Yingjie
Sankaranarayanan Rishikesan
Anuradha Vajjala Bulusu
Sabrina d/o Peter
Tan Ming Jie
Yudi Wisantoso
Eugene Seetoh Yew Choong
Tan Lay Tin
Poh Si Jia
Ong Wing Chi Freda
Muhammad Nor Zuhaili Bin Hassan
Panchatcharam Manisekaran

Emergency
Team
LO
ERT
ERT
ERT
ERT
ERT
ERT
ERT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW

32

Contact No.
63162810
65148392
65137652
63162803
63162943
65921644
65921644
63162874
65921795
63162921
65141080
63162831
65138685
63162837
63162928
63162927
65141034
63162855
63162934
63162852
63162847
63162865
63162926
63167088
63162840
63162897
63162841
63162878
63162887
65921644
65921644
63162874
63162943

Annex (11)
BSL 3/12: NTU-SBS BSL3 FACILITY INCIDENT NOTIFICATION FORM
Please complete Parts 1 & 2 then submit to the BSL3 Manager. Keep a copy for personal and laboratory
records. Do not leave any field blank, write N/A if not applicable.
Part 1. Details of Involved/ Injured Person
Full name (underline surname):
Occupation:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:
NRIC Number:
Other (Specify):
Medical Treatment provided:
First Aid

Doctor

Hospital

None

Name of medical treatment provider:

Other (Specify):

Contact email/phone:

Part 2. Details of incident

This incident was (Circle all appropriate):
Personal Injury
Miss

Property Damage

Environmental Damage

Biological Agent involved:

Date:

Incident reported to:

Position:

Near

Time:
Date:

What (task) were you doing at the time of the incident?

Describe the incident (Attach a sketch if necessary). Propose solution(s) if appropriate.

(Try to describe exactly what happened. Include any particular Biological agent, chemical, process or
equipment involved.)

For personal injuries, please describe the injury sustained:

Details of any damage to Property/ Environment:
Was there a witness? Name:
Incident was notified to:

Email/Phone:
NTU Security Police Fire

Other (Specify):

Part 3. Action taken by BSL3 Facility Director, or Nominated Deputy, to prevent similar
Occurrence:
Please specify action taken including dates:

Name:
Signature:

Position:
Date:

33