Updated 3/31/20: Information about the biosafety level requirements for handling SAR-CoV-2 (COVID-19 coronavirus) can be found here. Biological Safety Levels (BSL) are a series of protections relegated to
autoclave-related activities that take place in particular biological labs. They are individual safeguards designed to protect laboratory personnel, as well as the surrounding environment and community. These levels, which are ranked from one to four, are selected based on the agents or organisms that are being researched or worked on in any given laboratory setting. For example, a basic lab
setting specializing in the research of nonlethal agents that pose a minimal potential threat to lab workers and the environment are generally considered BSL-1—the lowest biosafety lab level. A specialized research laboratory that deals with potentially deadly infectious agents like Ebola would be designated as BSL-4—the highest and most stringent level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
sets BSL lab levels as a way of exhibiting specific controls for the containment of microbes and biological agents. Each BSL lab level builds upon on the previous level—thereby creating layer upon layer of constraints and barriers. These lab levels are determined by the following The reason biosafety levels are so important is because they dictate the type of work practices that are allowed to take place in a lab setting. They also heavily influence the overall design of the facility in question, as well as the type of specialized safety equipment used within it. The following is an explanation of each biosafety level—what they mean and how they
differ in safety measures and best practices. Download our BSL Quick Reference Guide Here >BSL–1As the lowest of the four, biosafety level 1 applies to laboratory settings in which personnel work with low-risk microbes that pose little to no threat of infection in healthy adults. An example of a microbe that is typically worked with at a BSL-1 is a nonpathogenic strain of E. coli. This laboratory setting typically consists of research taking place on benches without the use of special contaminant equipment. A BSL-1 lab, which is not required to be isolated from surrounding facilities, houses activities that require only standard microbial practices, such as:
BSL-1 labs also requires immediate decontamination after spills. Infection materials are also decontaminated prior to disposal, generally through the use of an autoclave. BSL–2This biosafety level covers laboratories that work with agents associated with human diseases (i.e. pathogenic or infections organisms) that pose a moderate health hazard. Examples of agents typically worked with in a BSL-2 include equine encephalitis viruses and HIV, as well as Staphylococcus aureus (staph infections). BSL-2 laboratories maintain the same standard microbial practices as BSL-1 labs, but also includes enhanced measures due to the potential risk of the aforementioned microbes. Personnel working in BSL-2 labs are expected to take even greater care to prevent injuries such as cuts and other breaches of the skin, as well as ingestion and mucous membrane exposures. In addition to BSL 1 expectation, the following practices are required in a BSL 2 lab setting:
Access to a BSL-2 lab is far more restrictive than a BSL-1 lab. Outside personnel, or those with an increased risk of contamination, are often restricted from entering when work is being conducted. BSL-3Again building upon the two prior biosafety levels, a BSL-3 laboratory typically includes work on microbes that are either indigenous or exotic, and can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation. Examples of microbes worked with in a BSL-3 includes; yellow fever, West Nile virus, and the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The microbes are so serious that the work is often strictly controlled and registered with the 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:
Access to a BSL-3 laboratory is restricted and controlled at all times. BSL-4BSL-4 labs are rare. However some do exist in a small number of places in the US and around the world. As the highest level of biological safety, a BSL-4 lab consists of work with highly dangerous and exotic microbes. Infections caused by these types of microbes are frequently fatal, and come without treatment or vaccines. Two examples of such microbes include Ebola and Marburg viruses. In addition to BSL-3 considerations, BSL-4 laboratories have the following containment requirements:
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. Knowing the difference in biosafety lab levels and their corresponding safety requirements is imperative for anyone working with microbes in a lab setting. Get Your Safety Tips Checklist for BSL Labs 1-4 Here >Information about the biosafety level requirements for handling SAR-CoV-2 (COVID-19 coronavirus) can be found here. Consolidated Sterilizer Systems produces sterilizers for BSL-1, BSL-2, and BSL-3 laboratories. 17 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next AutoclaveWith so many models, sizes, options and components to choose from, how can you ever really know exactly what you need to make the most out of your investment? These questions will help you to make informed decisions by outlining what is most important to consider and know about owning an autoclave. What are biohazard exposure routes?The most common routes of infection are inhalation of infectious aerosols or dusts, exposure of mucous membranes to infectious droplets, ingestion from contaminated hands or utensils, or percutaneous self-inoculation (injection or incision).
What are the three types of biohazard exposure routes?Definition: The way people [or other living organisms] come into contact with a hazardous substance. Three routes of exposure are breathing [inhalation], eating or drinking [ingestion], or contact with the skin [dermal contact].
What is a biohazard quizlet?Biohazard definition: Any infectious agent, nonliving substance, or procedure that endangers living tissue (presents chemical, physical, or radiological hazard)
What are the three primary routes of transmission at BSL 2?Routes of Exposure
inhalation, 2. direct contact with skin or mucous membranes, 3. ingestion, and 4. injection.
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