Captain Martin Sanders has discussed the new editions continued in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). Captain Sanders published a chapter in the Anthology of Biosafety, compiled by Jonathan Y. Richmond, Ph.D. In addition to discussing new additions to the publications, he outlines the processes behind the decision making structure within the new editorial team. He also outlines the different components of the BMBL, as well as the scope that the steering committee was able to work within when deciding the publication’s direction and main objectives.
The BMBL’s fourth edition was published in 1999, leaving almost ten years in between updated publications. For this reason, it is pertinent that appropriate additions are made to ensure continued safe practices within the biosafety community. The 5th edition of the publication will contain many ‘new and expanded’ sections; a result of data and knowledge collected over the decade since the 4th editions publications. Events such as 9/11 and subsequent anthrax attacks within the United States have enhanced the spotlight on the biosafety and biosecurity communities. Increased globalisation and technology have made the threat of international bio-warfare an ever more present risk. The BMBL’s 5th edition combats this by addressing these issues and ensuring that there are new and update agent summaries. The USDA has also contributed via the inclusion of an agriculture-focused section that addresses biological safety while working with different organisms including large animals
Extra emphasis has also been placed on the use of correct acronyms throughout the publication. This is in order to ensure that the publication is both easily navigable and reliable. This emphasis will also pertain to the index and glossary in order to ensure that publication is readily digestible by lab workers and health professionals.
Captain Martin Sanders’ knowledge of the BMBL is directly related to his involvement in the direction of the project. Sanders was a member of a four person steering committee for the project that was responsible for the initial direction and scope of the publication. Therefore, he was involved in the decision making behind what were considered to be appropriate additions to the most recent addition. At the time of its publication he was the Deputy Director of the Office of Health and Safety within the CDC.
Reference: http://foh.psc.gov/AboutUs/LeadershipBios/MartinSanders.pdf