Biosafety in Microbiological
and Biomedical Laboratories
3rd Edition
JY Richmond & RW McKinney (eds.)
5th National Symposium on Biosafety:
A Rational Basis for Biocontainment

BMBL
Introduction
1941 - Meyer and Eddie
 74 lab associated brucellosis
infections in US
1949 - Sulkin and Pike
 222 viral infections (21 fatal)
 Only 27% related to known accidents

BMBL
Introduction
1951,1965, 1976 - Sulkin and Pike
Surveys for lab-associated infections
 More than 5,000 labs
 Cumulative total of 3,921cases cited
 Most commonly reported:
i Hepatitis i Brucellosis
i Tuberculosis i Tularemia
i Typhoid
i Venzuelan Equine Encephalitis

BMBL
Introduction
1951,1965, 1976 - Sulkin and Pike (cont.)
Surveys for lab-associated infections
 Fewer than 20% associated with known
accidents
 Exposure to infectious aerosols
plausible (but unconfirmed) for >80% of
reported cases

Principles of Biosafety
Introduction
Biosafety Levels 1-3
Guidelines to describe combinations of:
 Laboratory Practices and Techniques
i Standard Practices
i Special Practices
 Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers)
 Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)

Principles of Biosafety
Introduction
Biosafety Levels 1-3 Provide
 Increasing levels of personnel and
environmental protection
 Guidelines for working safely in
microbiological and biomedical
laboratories

Lab Practices and Techniques
Introduction
 Knowledgeable supervisor
 Personnel
i Aware of potential hazards
i Proficient in practices/techniques
 Biosafety manual specific to lab

Safety Equipment
(Primary Barriers) - Introduction
 Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) [BSL-2/3]
 Personal protective clothing
i Gloves
i Gowns
 Pipetting Devices
 Safety centrifuge cups and rotors
 Eye and face protection
 Respiratory protection [BSL-3]

Biosafety Level 1
Introduction
Suitable for work involving well-
characterized agents not known to
cause disease in healthy adult
humans and of minimal potential
hazard to laboratory personnel and
the environment.

Biosafety Level 1
Introduction
Examples:
 Bacillus subtilis
 Naegleria gruberi
 Infectious canine hepatitis virus
 E. coli

Biosafety Level 1
Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)

Biosafety Level 1
Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)
 Sink for handwashing
 Work surfaces easily cleaned
 Bench tops
 Sturdy furniture
 Windows fitted with flyscreens