Biosafety Lab

What is a Biosafety lab?

It is a specialized research laboratory that deals with infectious materials, organisms or even laboratory animals. Allowing researchers to isolate dangerous biological agents in an enclosed space for study. By following the regulations it helps to keep the researcher and the public safe.

BSL-1

Applies to laboratory settings in which personnel work with low-risk microbes that pose little to no threat of infection in healthy adults. E.g. E.Coli (non-pathogenic strain)

A BSL-1 lab, which is not required to be isolated from surrounding facilities, houses activities that require only standard microbial practices, such as:

  • Standard microbiology practices – Mechanical pipetting only (no mouth pipetting allowed), safe sharps handling, avoidance of splashes or aerosols, decontamination of work surfaces and spills, personal hygiene (hand washing, no eating, drinking, smoking in the lab)

  • PPE – eye protection, gloves, lab coat

  • Has biohazard signs


Work with agents associated with human disease (i.e. pathogenic or infections organisms) posing a moderate hazard. E.g. equine encephalitis viruses and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

In addition to standard microbiological practices of BSL1, the following practices are required in a BSL 2 lab setting:

  • Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn, including lab coats and gloves. Eye protection and face shields can also be worn, as needed.

  • All procedures that can cause infection from aerosols or splashes are performed within a biological safety cabinet (BSC).

  • An autoclave or an alternative method of decontamination is available for proper disposals.

  • The laboratory has self-closing, lockable doors.

  • A sink and eyewash station should be readily available.

  • Biohazard warning signs

This is to prevent injuries such as cuts and other breaches of the skin, as well as ingestion and mucous membrane exposures.

Access to the lab is more controlled than for BSL 1 facilities. Outside personnel, or those with an increased risk of contamination, are often restricted from entering when work is being conducted.

BSL-2

BSL-3

This includes work on either indigenous or exotic agents that can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through aerosol transmission like inhalation. E.g. yellow fever, West Nile virus, and the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.

Work with these agents is strictly controlled and must be registered with all appropriate government agencies. Laboratory personnel are also under medical surveillance and could receive immunizations for microbes they work with.

Common requirements in a BSL-3 laboratory include:

  • Standard personal protective equipment must be worn, and respirators might be required

  • Solid-front wraparound gowns, scrub suits or coveralls are often required

  • All work with microbes must be performed within an appropriate BSC

  • Access hands-free sink and eyewash are available near the exit

  • Ventilation that provides ducted, directional airflow by drawing air into the lab from clean areas and with no recirculation.

  • A self-closing set of locking doors with access separated from general building corridors


Access to a BSL-3 laboratory is restricted and always controlled.



Rare but do exist in the United State and a small number of places around the world. Agents requiring BSL 4 facilities and practices are extremely dangerous and pose a high risk of life-threatening disease. Eg. Ebola virus, the Lassa virus, and any agent with unknown risks of pathogenicity and transmission.

Singapore is also planning to get its own highest level biosafety lab by 2025, the first such facility in South-East Asia.

. In addition to BSL-3 considerations, BSL-4 laboratories have the following containment requirements to provide maximum protection and containment.

  • Personnel are required to change clothing before entering, shower upon exiting

  • Decontamination of all materials before exiting

  • Personnel must wear appropriate personal protective equipment from prior BSL levels, as well as a full body, air-supplied, positive pressure suit

  • A Class III biological safety cabinet


A BSL-4 laboratory is extremely isolated—often located in a separate building or in an isolated and restricted zone of the building. The laboratory also features a dedicated supply and exhaust air, as well as vacuum lines and decontamination systems.

BSL-4

References: https://consteril.com/biosafety-levels-difference/

Pictures from: https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/news/world/article/3101114/biosafety-laboratories/index.html