LABORATORY BIOSAFETY CONTAINMENT LEVEL Introduction Laboratory Biosafety Containment Level or often known as Bio Safety Level (BSL) is referred to the containment level of the laboratory setting (including the practices, safety equipment setting, decontamination procedure and etc. There are 4 classification of BSL ranging from a simple teaching laboratory to a most complex safety features to handle the most hazardous microorganism. Each BSL has its own features and recommended safety practices. It is very much different to Biohazard Safety Cabinets (BSC) Class I, II and III. BSC Class I, II and III is the containment level of Biohazard Safety Cabinet alone pertaining to the airflow patterns, HEPA filters and cabinet pressure. BSC is part of the settings of BSL. BSL Level 1-4 is also different from Risk Group 1-4 as described earlier but is very much related to each other. 36
BIOSAFETY LEVEL 1 (BSL-1) BSL-1 is suitable for work involving well-characterized agents not known to cause disease in healthy adults and of minimal potential hazard to lab personnel and the environment and also known as Risk Group 1 organisms. Lab furniture are impervious to water, resistance to all chemicals and medium heat. Enough spaces in between benches and equipment for easy cleaning. No special containment like Biohazard Safety Cabinet is required. Good microbiology practices Lab coat, shoes, gloves and goggle (to prevent splash) Typical setup of a BSL Level 1 laboratory. 37
BIOSAFETY LEVEL 2 (BSL-2) Diagnostics and healthcare labs should be designed for BSL-2 to be able to handle all infectious agents under Risk Group 2 that are pathogenic to human but the treatments are available. Lab furniture are impervious to water, resistance to all chemicals and medium heat. Enough spaces in between benches and equipment for easy cleaning. Required to install autoclave for sterilization and decontamination. Containment devices such as Biosafety Cabinet Class I or II need to be installed for all aerosols-producing task. Good microbiology practices Lab coat, shoes, gloves and goggle (to prevent splash) at all times. A typical BLS Level 2 setup - Biohazard sign, Biohazard waste, autoclave, a biosafety cabinet. 38
BIOSAFETY LEVEL 3 (BSL-3) The containment laboratory -BSL-3 is designed and provided for work with Risk Group 3 microorganisms and with high volumes or high concentration of Risk Group 2 that pose an increased risk of aerosols spread. Double-entry door, self-closing and interlocking anteroom door allow only one door to open at a time. Surfaces including wall, floor and ceiling panel should be waterresistant and easy to clean. Controlled ventilation system and HEPA-filtered. Autoclave is available in lab for decontamination procedure. Biohazard Safety Cabinet Class II for all manipulation process. Head covers, designated footwears, gloves and respiratory protection must be worn. Medical survellance and immunization program is prepared for the personnel. A typical BLS Level 3 setup - Double entry door, BSC Class II or III 39
BIOSAFETY LEVEL 4 (BSL-4) PURPOSE The maximum containment laboratory that is designed for work with Risk Group 4 microorganisms that pose high risk for forming infectious aerosols and life threatening agents. MAIN FEATURE Class III Biohazard Safety Cabinet Double door autoclave for material transfer into/from lab Controlled access Controlled air system SPECIAL PRACTICE Protective suit with self-contain breathing apparatus. Medical survellance and immunization program is prepared for the personnel. Shower decontamination system Double door autoclave for material transfer into/from lab Protective suit with selfa typical BSL 4 shower decontamination contain breathing apparatus 40