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General Biosafety Training (EHS 0739)
EHS 0739 SITE MAP
BIOSAFETY TRAINING INTRODUCTION
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT & EXPOSURE CONTROL
BIOSAFETY INCIDENT AND ACCIDENT RESPONSE
QUESTIONS
BIOSAFETY MANUAL
 
 

Biosafety Level 2 Containment

This type of laboratory is identical in construction to the level 1 facility.  While work that does not produce significant aerosols can be conducted on an open bench, biological safety cabinets are frequently present, and if contamination control is important (e.g., keeping cultures clean) they should be used.

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This laboratory is suitable for experiments involving agents that are associated with human disease which is rarely life threatening and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available.

Activities include, for example:

  1. Microorganisms of low biohazard potential such as those in Risk Group or Biosafety Level 2.
  2. Primate cells and/or tissue culture systems.
  3. Recombinant DNA research requiring BL2 physical containment. .
  4. Oncogenic viral systems research classified under low or moderate risk.
    5.

The micro-organisms handled in a BL2 laboratory include many of the indigenous infectious agents that produce disease in man (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Plasmodium sp. adenovirus, vaccinia virus, enteric and blood-borne pathogens, etc.). 

Nearly all laboratories operate under level 1 and 2 containment.  It is important to understand that at these levels we are dealing with research, diagnostic or production activities thought to pose little or minimal hazards to workers. 

The control of potential biohazards at the BL-2 level is provided by use of standard microbiological practices with the addition of personnel protective equipment (lab coat and gloves).

To date, these procedures and practices have been considered sufficient to protect the work force.

Click here if you wish to review the procedures and practices associated with Biosafety Level 2
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