Laboratory biosafety
The principles of preventing unintentional exposure to pathogen and toxins, or their accidental release determine laboratory biosafety. Laboratory biosafety levels are categorized as follows:
| Biosafety Level | Laboratory type | Laboratory practice | Safety equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic - Biosafety Level 1 | Basic teaching; research | GMP | None |
| Basic - Biosafety Level 2 | Primary health and diagnostic service; research | GMP plus protective clothing | BSC |
| Containment - Biosafety Level 3 | Special diagnostic service; research | As Level 2 plus special clothin, controlled access, directional airflow | BSC |
| Maximum containment - Biosafety Level 4 | Dangerous pathogen units | As Level 3 plus airlock entry, shower exit, special waste disposal | Class III BSC |
Figure 1.Table with biosafety levels
GMP = Good microbiological practice. BSC = Biosafety cabinets
Biosafety level designations are based on lab design and practice required for working with agents from the various hazard groups. In the UK Biosafety lab is referred to as Containment lab.
Source: World health organization, 2004. Laboratory biosafety manual.
Read more:
Click here to read the summary of biosafety level and infectious agents.