BIOSAFETY LEVEL

Definition
Level of safety that suit for work involving

agents associated with human disease.

In other words, pathogenic or infectious
organisms posing a moderate hazard.
Suitable for work involving agents of
moderate potential hazard to personnel and
the environment.

Differences between Biosafety level

1 and level 2
Laboratory personnel have specific training in

handling pathogenic agents and are

supervised by scientists competent in
handling infectious agents and associated
procedures.
Access to the laboratory is restricted when
work is being conducted.
All procedures in which infectious aerosols or
splashes may be created are conducted in
Biological Safety Cabinet (BSCs) or other
physical containment equipment.

Standard Microbiological Practice

Laboratory supervisor must enforce policies

that control access to laboratory.

Wash hands after working with potentially
hazardous materials and before going out of
laboratory.
Food consumption, storing, handling contact
lenses and applying cosmetics are prohibited
in laboratory.
Mouth pipetting is prohibited.
Policies for the safe handling of sharps, such
as needles, scalpels, pipettes, and broken

Perform all procedures to minimize the creation of

splashes and/or aerosols.

Decontaminate work surfaces after completion of
work and after any spill or splash of potentially
infectious material with appropriate disinfectant.
Decontaminate all cultures, stocks, and other
potentially infectious materials before disposal
using an effective method.
A sign incorporating the universal biohazard
symbol must be posted at the entrance to the
laboratory when infectious agents are present.

An effective integrated pest management

program is required.
The laboratory supervisor must ensure that
laboratory personnel receive appropriate
training regarding their duties, the necessary
precautions to prevent exposures, and
exposure evaluation procedures.

Special Practices
Supervision

Supervisor is a competent scientist with

increased responsibilities.
Limits access if immunocompromised.
Restricts access to immunized.
Lab Personnel
Aware of potential hazards.
Proficient in practices/techniques.

Needles & Sharps Precautions

Use sharps containers.

Dont break, bend, re-sheath or reuse syringes
or needles.
Dont place needles or sharps in office waste
containers.
Dont touch broken glass with hands.
Use plasticware.

Policies and procedures for entry.

Biohazard warning signs.
Biosafety manual specific to lab.
Training with annual updates.
Use leak-proof transport containers.
Decontaminate work surfaces.
Report spills and accidents.
No animals in laboratories.

Safety Equipment (Primary

Barriers and Personal
Protective Equipment)
Properly maintained BSCs, other appropriate

personal protective equipment, or other

physical containment devices must be used
whenever:
Procedures with a potential for creating
infectious aerosols or splashes are conducted.
High concentrations or large volumes of
infectious agents are used.
Protective laboratory coats, gowns, smocks,
or uniforms designated for laboratory use
must be worn while working with hazardous

Eye and face protection (goggles, mask, face shield

or other splatter guard) is used for anticipated

splashes or sprays of infectious or other hazardous
materials when the microorganisms must be
handled outside the BSC or containment device.
Gloves must be worn to protect hands from
exposure to hazardous materials. Glove selection
should be based on an appropriate risk assessment.
Eye, face and respiratory protection should be used
in rooms containing infected animals as determined
by the risk assessment.

Laboratory Facilities
(Secondary Barriers)
Laboratory doors should be self-closing and

have locks in accordance with the institutional

policies.
Laboratories must have a sink for hand
washing that is located near the exit door.
The laboratory should be designed so that it
can be easily cleaned and decontaminated.
Laboratory furniture must be capable of
supporting anticipated loads and uses.
Laboratory windows that open to the exterior
are not recommended.

BSCs must be installed so that fluctuations of the room

air supply and exhaust do not interfere with proper

operations.
Vacuum lines should be protected with liquid
disinfectant traps.
An eyewash station must be readily available.
There are no specific requirements for ventilation
systems.
A method for decontaminating all laboratory wastes
should be available in the facility. For example,
autoclave, chemical disinfection, incineration, or other
validated decontamination method.