In addition to specifying guidelines for the type of work that is classified under each BSL (Biosafety Level), the CDC also has guidelines for the types of precautions and protections needed to mitigate injury resulting from exposure to pathogens. These BSL protocols have been used by manufacturing companies as references for engineering controls such as biosafety cabinets and glove box enclosures. Creating a secure working environment is a critical goal of the CDS and employers.
Level I
Biosafety Level I is specified as word with well-characterized agents that are known NOT to cause disease in healthy, non-immunocompromised adults. Special containment practices and devices are usually, not required, but institutional laboratory practices must be implemented to reduce risk to personnel.
Laboratory Types – Standard teaching and research facilities/laboratories.
Example of Microbial Organisms that would require Biosafety Level I
- Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli
- Bacillus subtilis
Required Safety Equipment – Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC’s) are NOT required and most procedures are performed on an open bench. Fume Hoods and Cabinets may be used to minimize exposure to chemical or sample spills.
Laboratory Practices Required – Standard good Laboratory practices, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand washing, and decontamination of work surfaces is all that is “required”.
Level 2
Biosafety level 2 is specified as work that poses moderate hazards to personnel and the environment. Diagnostic or research activities that are administered with pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella, fall into this category. All the precautions and practices in Biosafety Level I must be followed in addition to those in Biosafety Level 2.
Laboratory Types – Primary healthcare research and diagnostic laboratories.
Example of Microbial Organisms
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Salmonella species
- Herpes Simplex Virus
- Adenovirus
- Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Required Safety Equipment – BSC’s are required as a PEC, and research or diagnostic activities must be performed within these devices. Fume hoods and cabinets may be used to minimize exposure to non-pathogenic substances.
Laboratory Practices Required – Restricted access to laboratory areas and the use of biosafety cabinets and glove boxes to reduce the risk of aerosolized exposure to pathogens.
Biosafety operational recommendations are developed to protect lab personnel and give meaning to their important research. Without these precautions, work would be dangerous, inefficient and more time consuming.
As a leader in Scientific Equipment Repair and Medical Equipment Calibrations, Scientific Instrument Center works with many corporations, universities, and hospitals providing the highest level of laboratory services. Whether we are providing biosafety cabinet calibration or medical equipment calibration, we keep your equipment performing to industry codes and regulations. Feel free to contact us at (614) 771-4700
