Instructions

Complete all lab-specific information (identified by red print or text control box)

Tips:

Perform agent specific risk assessments. Templates and information available at https://slph.ncpublichealth.com/biosafety/default.asp

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Contents

Biosafety Statement	3

Roles and Responsibilities	3

Manager/Supervisor Responsibilities	3

Laboratory Staff Responsibilities	4

Emergency Information	4

Location of Safety Equipment	4

Laboratory Dress Code	5

Biological Safety Level 2 Procedures	6

Telephone Use in Technical Areas	6

Intra-facility transport	7

Shipping Biological Material	7

Potentially Hazardous Equipment	7

Training	7

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	8

Laboratory Coats	8

Gloves	9

Mucous Membrane Protection	9

Biohazard Spill Response	9

Definitions	10

Spill Risk Assessment	10

Biohazard Spill Kit	10

Chemical Disinfectants	11

Biological Spills in Primary Containment	12

Biological Spills Outside Primary Containment	14

Spills Outside the Laboratory in Public Spaces	15

Chemical Spills	16

Medical Surveillance and Exposures	16

Surveillance	16

Exposures	16

Signage	17

Clean Spaces	20

Benchtop Procedures	20

Biological Safety Cabinets	21

Magnehelic Gauge	21

BSC Safety Considerations	22

Biological Waste Disposal	23

Biohazard Waste	23

Non-hazardous waste	23

Sharps	23

Housekeeping	24

Non-Laboratorians in Technical Areas	24

Support Personnel	24

Visitors	25

Appendix A	26

Biosafety Statement

This lab is a clinical BSL2 laboratory. BSL2 is required for work involving agents of moderate potential risk to personnel and the environment. As a diagnostic laboratory, biohazards listed in the table below may not be stored or regularly manipulated in the laboratory – rather the lab has the capacity to manipulate and test specimens for these agents.

Organism	Primary Transmission Route(s) for laboratory associated infections	Other Hazards	Signs//Symptoms associated with lab associated infections
Hepatitis B virus	☐ Aerosol ☒ Percutaneous ☒ Mucous membrane ☐ Other (list)	Infectious aerosols Contaminated surfaces	Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, jaundice, dark urine/stool, hepatomegaly
☐ Aerosol ☐ Percutaneous ☐ Mucous membrane ☐ Other (list)
☐ Aerosol ☐ Percutaneous ☐ Mucous membrane ☐ Other (list)

Roles and Responsibilities

Manager/Supervisor Responsibilities

Managers and Supervisors have the primary responsibility for ensuring that their laboratory areas are safe. They must adhere to all local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. They are responsible for the safe use of biological, chemical and radioactive materials in their laboratory including the following:

Limit exposure to hazards to the lowest practical level.

Apply the recommended biosafety level for the work being conducted

Ensure laboratorians receive general safety training before working in the laboratory.

Be familiar with the required medical surveillance for each type of agent in their laboratory and ensure that laboratorians are provided with the necessary medical services prior to performing work in the lab.

Perform agent specific risk assessments for all agents manipulated in testing area using the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Worksheet which should be included with this safety plan for personnel to review.

Implement, train, and document training of the approved Biosafety Plan

Provide PPE and ensure personnel are trained on use and disposal

Ensure hazardous waste is properly managed

Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and certified

Report spills, exposures, or incidents to appropriate personnel

Ensure Incident and/or Accident Reports are initiated and submitted in a timely manner

Laboratory Staff Responsibilities

Know the biological materials and procedures used in the laboratory

Follow approved lab procedures and approved Biosafety Plan

Be familiar with emergency procedures and locations of all safety equipment

Complete required training before working in lab

Complete required/recommended occupational health services prior to working in the lab

Report unsafe conditions to appropriate personnel

Report spills, exposures and incidents to appropriate personnel

Initiate Incident/Accident Reports as necessary

Utilize all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Use appropriate lab equipment and containment facilities

Ensure that non-laboratorians that provide support services are properly protected

Emergency Information

All entry doors to laboratory spaces contain emergency contact names/numbers for the space as well as lab entry requirements. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to update lab-specific signage as necessary.

Location of Safety Equipment

Location of nearest fire pull station: Click or tap here to enter text.

Location of nearest fire extinguisher(s): Click or tap here to enter text.

Location of nearest AED: Click or tap here to enter text.

Location of nearest safety shower: Click or tap here to enter text.

Location of biohazard spill kit: Click or tap here to enter text.

Location of lab biosafety manual: Click or tap here to enter text.

Laboratory Dress Code

Appropriate attire is required by all personnel who enter technical areas which are defined as any area where chemical, biological, or radiological materials are used, stored, or manipulated.

Personal attire while in the laboratory plays a role in determining the level of risk of exposure to hazardous agents and physical injury. Appropriate clothing which covers the torso, legs, and feet provides an extra layer of protection against spills/splashes of hazardous materials.

This dress code applies to laboratorians, administrators and support personnel who enter the technical area of the laboratory.

The table below lists dress code policies in effect for laboratory areas.

Supervisor may choose to add policies/restricted items to the lab’s dress code based on risk assessment. Labs where larger volumes or dangerous chemicals are used should require shoes made of spill-resistant material as cloth shoes may trap and hold chemicals against the skin.

Policy Statement	Prohibited	Reason
Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back	Hair can impede vision; come into contact with chemicals or biologicals; become a hazard near equipment with moving parts.
No dangling neckwear or jewelry outside of lab coat	Long ties and scarves that hang outside of lab coat; dangling jewelry	Jewelry or neckwear outside of lab coat can come into contact with chemicals or biologicals; become a hazard near equipment with moving parts.
Use of headphones is not allowed in laboratories	Phones or other electronic devices used with headphones	Personnel must be aware of their surroundings at all times which includes being able to hear alarms, announcements, and calls for help; wires can become contaminated or tangled in equipment
Shirts must cover torso	Cropped shirts; plunging necklines	Clothing provides an additional layer of protection against spills and splashes.
Pants, dresses or skirts must cover wearer to the ankle; items that fall above ankle length can be worn with boots that cover the exposed leg area	Shorts, capri pants	Hazardous material can splash upwards upon hitting the floor; shattered glass can bounce up and injure unprotected skin.
Shoes must completely enclose the foot	Sandals, open toe, open back, open-weave, shoes with holes in top or sides	Shoes protect the wearer from chemical spills and shattered glass

Biological Safety Level 2 Procedures

Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics and handling contact lenses is prohibited in all laboratory spaces. Food and drink are never stored in refrigerators in which store biological or chemical materials or reagents.

Hands are thoroughly washed when entering the lab, after removing gloves and before leaving the lab.

Telephone Use in Technical Areas

Telephones are a potential vehicle for transferring infectious agents to the face and mucous membranes. The following policies are in place to mitigate risks associated with using telephones in technical lab spaces:

Never pick up or dial a telephone with gloved hands

Handsets should be labeled “NO GLOVES”

Use speaker phone feature whenever possible

Disinfect telephones regularly with approved disinfectant

Intra-facility transport

PPE including a lab coat and protective eye wear should be worn during transport between laboratories. Personnel are provided blue disposable lab coats which are specific for transport in non-lab areas and are not worn in the lab.

Gloves are always worn when loading and unloading biological materials into secondary containment. No gloves are to be worn when touching external doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc.

Transport of biological material through non-lab areas is always done inside a secondary, sealed, leak-proof container. The secondary transport container should be placarded with a biohazard sticker.

Shipping Biological Material

Shipping is regulated by Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA). Only properly trained personnel can package or ship biological materials. Additional information is available on the NCSLPH website.

Potentially Hazardous Equipment

The table below contains information on potentially hazardous equipment used in the laboratory.

Equipment	Potential Hazards	Agents in Use
Centrifuge
Vortex
Automated equipment
Flames
List other

Training

Supervisor documents initial and annual training of this biosafety plan for laboratory personnel with regards to hazards associated with work in the lab, necessary precautions to prevent exposures, and exposure evaluation procedures. Supervisors must provide laboratorians annual updates and additional training when procedural or policy changes occur.

In addition, all laboratory personnel are required to participate in Bloodborne Pathogens training at hire and annually.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.132 requires employers to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of PPE. Further, the standard requires that employers institute all feasible engineering and work practice controls to eliminate and reduce hazards before using PPE to protect against hazards.

Manager and Supervisors are responsible for establishing PPE requirements for laboratories including types, storage, disposal and laundering policies, and enforcing PPE requirements in the laboratory.

Laboratory Coats

Lab coats or an approved alternative are worn by all personnel – laboratorians and support persons - at all times while in the laboratory technical space.

Lab coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and must be fully buttoned when worn. Sleeves must be of appropriate length as to not expose skin while wearing gloves.

Lab coats are not removed from the laboratory except to launder onsite and are not worn between different laboratory spaces unless approved. Lab coats are never worn into offices or areas where food and drink are present. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to enforce the PPE requirements in the lab.

Type of Coat/Gown	Required	Cleaning/Disposal	Frequency of laundering/disposal
Lab coat re-usable ☐ Lab coat disposable ☐ Disposable gown ☐	Technical lab area	Laundered onsite or Single use

Gloves

Gloves are worn by all personnel in lab who handle biological material or contact contaminated or potentially contaminated surfaces. Gloves are changed when visibly soiled, torn, or punctured. All gloves are discarded as biohazardous waste. Do not wash or reuse disposable gloves.

Nitrile gloves are preferred due to their chemical resistance, the tendency to visibly rip when punctured, and to protect those with latex allergies.

Gloves are never a substitute for thorough hand washing.

Double gloves and/or cut-resistant gloves should be considered when handling biohazardous materials with sharp items.

Type	Required	Storage/Disposal
Disposable	Always in technical lab area	Disposed as biohazardous waste
Double glove	When required?	Disposed as biohazardous waste
Cut/puncture resistant	When required?	Describe decontamination and storage
Heat resistant	When required?	Describe decontamination and storage
Cryoprotective	When required?	Describe decontamination and storage

Mucous Membrane Protection

Safety glasses are worn by all personnel – laboratorians and support personnel - at all times in the technical laboratory space.

If a protocol requires work with infectious or potentially infectious materials outside of a biological safety cabinet, complete risk assessment and determine if additional mucous membrane protection is warranted.

Add any required additional PPE (shoe covers, face protection, etc.)

Biohazard Spill Response

Biological spill response protocols are developed in accordance with CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Definitions

Biohazards are defined as any material or agent that may contain infectious or potentially infectious substances, or any agents or substances that are an environmental release risk. Examples include:

Human clinical specimens (feces, blood, urine or any other bodily fluid)

Microbiological cultures or stocks (including bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, etc.)

Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules

Human or animal cell or tissue cultures

Anatomical or pathological waste (human or animal tissue or organs)

A significant spill is any spill that meets any of the following criteria:

Spills greater than 10 mL of a biological substance outside primary containment

Spills that result in an exposure or potential exposure of personnel

Spills that present an aerosol transmission risk

Spill Risk Assessment

When assessing a spill to determine the appropriate response, the following should be considered:

What was spilled?

What is the route of transmission (i.e. aerosol, percutaneous, etc.)?

What is the volume and expected concentration infectious materials?

Where is the spill (i.e. inside BSC, near door, etc.)?

Is there potential for release outside of the lab?

Biohazard Spill Kit

Biohazard spill kits should be available in all laboratories that manipulate blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as defined in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Contents are restocked after any spill clean-up and verified annually by Supervisor. The location of the biological spill kit within a laboratory is clearly marked with the following signage:

Biological spill kits should consist of:

Absorbent materials

Scraper and scoop or forceps for handling broken glass

Disinfectant surface wipes

Biohazard bags

Disposable shoe covers

Gloves

Face shield

Surgical mask

Disposable gown

Chemical Disinfectants

Use of appropriate disinfectant and contact time for each agent in the lab are determined when completing the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Worksheet. The most broadly effective disinfectant for all possible biological agents encountered in the lab have been implemented as the general disinfectant. Agent-specific disinfectants are listed in the table below with the general lab disinfectant indicated by a checkmark.

Contact time is the amount of time an EPA-registered disinfecting product needs to be present on a surface in order to be effective against the microorganisms listed on its label. Allowing the disinfectant to remain wet on surfaces for the appropriate contact time ensures that microorganisms on the surface are exposed to the disinfectant long enough for it to be effective against them.

Always wear appropriate PPE when cleaning up a spill. Dispose of all cleanup material as biohazardous waste.

Table 1. Disinfectant(s) used in laboratory

Agent	Disinfectant (name/concentration/how often its diluted)	Minimum contact time	General Use Disinfectant
☐
☐

Biological Spills in Primary Containment

Spill Contained on Work Surface of Biosafety Cabinet

Step	Action
1	Close all open containers in BSC If it is necessary to remove hands from BSC, surface decontaminate gloves first Leave BSC open and operating. Alert personnel in the immediate area that a spill has occurred.
2	Change gloves and gather spill clean-up materials
3	Use scraper/scoop or forceps to remove broken glass or other broken material and place directly into sharps container.
4	Place enough absorbent material on spill to absorb liquid Pour disinfectant in circles from the outside to the center of the spill; allow adequate contact time Collect absorbent material from spill into autoclave bag Wipe work surface, walls, and all contents of BSC with paper towels dampened with disinfectant. Use a Swiffer to reach all areas – never allow face or head to enter a BSC. Allow proper contact time. Clean spill area again with fresh disinfectant and paper towels
5	Collect all spill clean-up materials in autoclave bag and follow waste handling procedures for removal of waste from BSC
6	Remove gloves and wash hands. Restock spill kit if necessary.

Spill NOT Contained on Work Surface Inside Biosafety Cabinet

Step	Action
1	Close all open containers in BSC If it is necessary to remove hands from BSC, surface decontaminate gloves first Leave BSC open and operating Alert personnel in the immediate area that a spill has occurred Verify drain valve under BSC is closed
2	Change gloves, don spill response PPE including disposable gown, gloves, and eye protection Gather spill clean-up materials
3	Use scraper/scoop or forceps to remove broken glass or other broken material and place directly into sharps container.
4	Place enough absorbent material on spill contained on work surface (including vent where liquid entered catch basin) to completely cover the spill area Pour disinfectant in circles from the outside to the center of the spill; allow adequate contact time Collect absorbent material from spill into autoclave bag Wipe work surface, walls, and all contents of BSC with paper towels dampened with disinfectant. Use a Swiffer to reach all areas – never allow face or head to enter a BSC. Allow proper contact time. Remove all items from BSC
5	Remove work surface from BSC; disinfect underside and set to the side Surface decontaminate supports; allow contact time; remove supports from BSC and set to side
6	Flood basin with work surface tray with agent appropriate disinfectant and allow appropriate contact time.
7	Open the valve and drain disinfectant from the catch basin into a bucket. Use Swiffer and paper towels to remove all remaining disinfectant from catch basin; rinse with 70% ethanol. Liquid disinfectant waste can be poured down the sink followed by allowing fresh water to run for 2 minutes.
8	Replace supports and work surface and disinfect all surfaces inside BSC
9	Collect all spill clean-up materials in autoclave bag and follow waste handling procedures for removal of waste from BSC
10	Remove gloves and wash hands. Restock spill kit if necessary.

Spill or tube break inside centrifuge with closed rotor and/or buckets

Step	Action
1	Remove closed rotor or buckets to BSC if available; close centrifuge and place DANGER sign on centrifuge. If no BSC is available, allow 30 minutes for aerosols to settle in closed cups/rotors and open while wearing proper PPE. Take caution to avoid creating aerosols.
2	Obtain spill kit and don spill response PPE spill response PPE including disposable gown, gloves, and eye protection
3	Remove unbroken tubes, surface decontaminate each tube and put in rack in BSC to allow for proper contact time. Use scraper/scoop or forceps to remove broken glass or other broken material and place directly into sharps container. Fill all tube slots with disinfectant and allow proper contact time. Liquid disinfectant waste can be poured down the sink followed by fresh running water for 2 minutes.
4	Finish by washing bucket/rotor with mild soap and water and allow rotor/bucket to dry thoroughly before returning to centrifuge. Check manufacturer’s recommendations.
5	Place contaminated spill cleanup materials and spill response PPE in biohazard container and follow waste handling procedures
6	Remove gloves and wash hands. Restock spill kit if necessary.

Biological Spills Outside Primary Containment

Biological Spills Outside of Primary Containment with Aerosol Transmission Risk

Step	Action
1	Alert personnel in the lab that a spill has occurred and to evacuate the lab Prior to exiting lab, check for contaminated clothing, including shoes and remove/decontaminate to avoid spreading contamination Showers are available on the lower level Post DANGER sign on the door and ensure personnel are prevented from entering the area
2	Notify Supervisor allow aerosols to settle for a minimum of 30 minutes.
3	Obtain spill kit and spill response PPE including disposable gown, shoe covers, gloves eye protection, and respiratory protection.
4	Use scraper/scoop or forceps to remove broken glass or other broken material and place directly into sharps container.
5	Place absorbent material over spill Pour disinfectant in circles from the outside to the center of the spill; allow adequate contact time Clean entire area with fresh disinfectant and absorbent material including areas that were splashed during the spill Collect absorbent material from spill into autoclave bag Clean spill area again with fresh disinfectant and paper towels
6	Place contaminated spill cleanup materials and spill response PPE in biohazard container and follow waste handling procedures
7	Remove gloves and wash hands Remove NO ENTRY sign from door Restock spill kit

Biological Spills Outside of Primary Containment with NO Aerosol Transmission Risk

Step	Action
1	Alert personnel in the lab that a spill has occurred Check for contaminated clothing, including shoes and remove/decontaminate to avoid spreading contamination Showers are available on the lower level
2	Obtain spill kit and don spill response PPE including disposable gown, shoe covers, gloves and eye protection
3	Use scraper/scoop or forceps to remove broken glass or other broken material and place directly into sharps container.
4	Place absorbent material over spill Pour disinfectant in circles from the outside to the center of the spill; allow adequate contact time Clean entire area with fresh disinfectant and absorbent material including areas that were splashed during the spill Collect absorbent material from spill into autoclave bag Clean spill area again with fresh disinfectant and paper towels
5	Place contaminated spill cleanup materials and spill response PPE in biohazard container and follow waste handling procedures
6	Remove gloves and wash hands. Remove NO ENTRY sign from door Restock spill kit

Spills Outside the Laboratory in Public Spaces

All biological materials transported between laboratory spaces must be transported in secondary, leak-proof containers to minimize the potential for spills. However, if a spill does occur in a common hallway or elevator that cannot be immediately and easily decontaminated, restrict access to the area and contact Supervisor immediately.

Chemical Spills

All labs that utilize chemicals must have a Chemical Hygiene Plan which includes information on cleaning up chemical spills.

Medical Surveillance and Exposures

Surveillance

Medical Service	Description	Time period
Vaccinations (list each)	Hepatitis B	Offered at hire
Testing (titer, Tspot, etc.)
Respiratory Medical Clearance	At hire and annually
Respirator Fit Test	At hire and annually

Anyone who is pregnant, has a medical condition, or who is taking medication that increases the risk of acquiring laboratory infections is encouraged to inform their supervisor and consult with the occupational health provider.

To ensure personnel safety, individuals working in laboratories should notify their supervisor of any conditions or concerns they have about any health issues as they relate to their safety while working in the lab on any given day. Health concerns such as fever, dizziness, lethargy, vertigo, nausea, etc. may put the individual at higher risk for a spill, accident or medical emergency when handling hazardous materials. The supervisor should work with the individual to determine if it is safe for them to enter and work in that lab during their illness.

Exposures

All laboratories which fall under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard must have an onsite Exposure Control Plan which provides information on bloodborne pathogen exposures.

Non-BBP exposures should be reported immediately to Supervisor and be managed through an occupational health program.

Exposures: needle sticks or cuts with contaminated material, splashes to mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, nose, mouth), direct contact of contaminated materials with broken skin, failure or lack of respiratory protection with aerosol transmissible agent outside of primary containment.

Potential exposures: failure of personal protective equipment with no known aerosol or direct contact with infectious materials, spills, needle stick or cut with object not known to be contaminated. Loss of primary containment with spill constitutes a potential exposure. It is also deemed a potential exposure if personnel work with an agent which, after identification of agent, work conditions are considered to have been insufficient to prevent exposure.

Immediate Response

SKIN exposure: Immediately remove contaminated PPE and wash contaminated area with soap and a copious amount of water for 10 minutes. Encourage the wound to bleed freely for one minute to flush.

EYE exposure: Flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes at an eyewash station.

Employees experiencing any of the symptoms associated with any agent that they have been in contact with should report to their Supervisor even if there was no known exposure event.

If a known or potential exposure incident occurs outside of regular work hours ( am – pm), laboratorians will contact their Supervisor or Manager immediately.

Signage

All areas and laboratories which contain biohazardous agents must be posted with a biohazard sticker as shown below (freezers, refrigerators, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, shakers, incubators, etc.). Stickers are available in the stockroom.

This laboratory displays signage at each lab entry point that provides emergency contact information, the biological safety level of the lab, and entry requirements (PPE, vaccinations, etc.) that apply to all personnel who enter that lab space. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to ensure that ALL personnel in the laboratory space including facilities, IT personnel, etc. meet entry requirements.

Supervisors should use the template below and add information as necessary prior to copying the template and posting at all laboratory doors.

CAUTION Admittance to Authorized Personnel Only

Laboratory	Click or tap here to enter text.
PPE Required in Technical Space	Lab coat, gloves, eye protection
Additional Entry Requirements	Click or tap here to enter text.
Emergency Contacts
LAB MANAGER	Name	Office phone Cell phone
LAB SUPERVISOR	Name	Office phone Cell phone
SAFETY OFFICER

BSL2 Laboratory

Clean Spaces

Certain areas within BSL2 laboratories have been designated as “Clean Spaces”. These spaces contain desks, computers and telephones. No biological, chemical or radiological materials are allowed in these areas and all PPE worn in the laboratory must be doffed and hands washed prior to entering a clean space. Paperwork that has been in the technical areas of the lab and may have been exposed to hazards are not allowed to enter clean areas.

Prior to being designated a clean space the following criteria must be met:

Clean areas must be located at a certain distance from any biological, radiological or chemical storage or work areas

Chemical – 10 feet

Biological/radiological – 7 feet

Desks, chairs, shelves and all equipment must be thoroughly surface decontaminated.

Lab coat storage must be provided near entrance to clean area.

Clean area must be properly delineated – different colored flooring, tape on floor, etc.

Hand washing sink must be available near entrance to clean area.

Benchtop Procedures

Based on risk assessment, some work may be done on the open bench by persons wearing appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment. Tests/tasks listed below have been approved for bench top work:

Task/Test	Required Equipment	Required PPE

Biological Safety Cabinets

A biological safety cabinet (BSC) is always used for laboratory procedures with a high potential for creating infectious aerosols or droplets.

BSCs are tested and certified at least annually by an outside contractor and these records are maintained by lab Supervisor or designee. Chemical decontamination of all components of the BSC that require service will be performed prior to any maintenance work, filter changes, or performance tests that require access to any contaminated portion of the cabinet.

Magnehelic Gauge

The magnehelic gauge measures displays the air pressure differential across the HEPA filter and is indicative of HEPA filter efficiency – it does NOT tell the user anything about the velocity of airflow.

Each user should check the magnehelic each time they use the BSC and ensure that the reading matches to the latest certification reading +/- 0.1 wc. The first user each day must record the reading on the Magnehelic Log (Appendix A) If the reading falls outside of this range, the BSC should be reported to the Supervisor and not used until the issue is resolved.

An increase in airflow may indicate that the HEPA filter is loaded and air flow may be insufficient to maintain the protective air curtain – thus compromising the safety of the user. A decrease in airflow may indicate a breach of the HEPA filter and compromised the sterility of the product.

Supervisor delete any types of BSCs that do NOT apply to the lab.

Class II Type A2 BSC

In a A2 BSC, air is drawn in through the front of the BSC to produce an air barrier that gives the operator protection. In an A2 BSC, 70% of the air is returned to the BSC following HEPA filtration to supply the downflow air. The remaining 30% is exhausted through the exhaust HEPA filter.

Class II Type B2 BSC

B2 BSCs are designed for work that involves volatile, toxic chemicals or radionuclides in addition to biological hazards. For a B2 BSC, the air is pulled in at the front opening to produce an air barrier that gives the operator protection and air is also pulled from an opening at the top of the cabinet that supplies the downflow air. B2 BSCs are hard ducted to the building exhaust system and allows 100% of the HEPA filtered air from the BSC to exit the building. The purpose of this is to remove toxic vapors that are generated in the cabinet with no recirculation within the BSC.

BSC Safety Considerations

A BSC supplements but does not replace aseptic practices

The correct use of a BSC must be trained to ensure correct operation

Use of flammable, explosive, or toxic vapors/gases, or substances which generate them, must be pre-approved prior for use inside a BSC

Never use the top of the cabinet or the work area for storage purposes

Flames are never used inside a BSC

Movement outside of the BSC can cause air disturbances which might interfere with

BSC airflow. Minimize door openings/closings and other personnel walking by BSC.

Biological Waste Disposal

Biohazard Waste

In North Carolina, medical waste rules are set by the Department of Environmental Quality.

All waste generated in a within a BSC is collected in a sharp’s container or biohazard bag inside the BSC. All items are surface decontaminated before being removed from BSC for disposal.

All non-BSC biohazardous waste is collected in red biohazard bags or other approved vessel for disinfection and/or transport offsite for disinfection and/or disposal.

Biohazard bags or sharps containers are never filled more than 2/3 full. Containers are lidded and lids are closed prior to moving for disposal. Liquid waste is not disposed of inside biohazard bag without a secondary container.

All disposable PPE including gloves is considered contaminated and disposed of as biohazard waste.

Describe decontamination/disposal of infectious or potentially infectious materials.

Liquid infectious or potentially infectious waste:

Solid infectious or potentially infectious waste:

Sharps:

Non-hazardous waste

All non-hazardous waste can be disposed of in regular trash. This includes paper towels from handwashing, empty packages or wrapping, etc.

Sharps

The use of needles or glass items used to manipulate or store infectious or potentially infectious materials should be eliminated, when possible. If necessary, these items should be disposed of immediately after use by placing them in an appropriate puncture-resistant container. Bending, recapping or clipping of needles is prohibited. If recapping is absolutely necessary, a mechanical device or the one-handed scoop method must be used.

Plasticware should be used whenever possible, such as plastic cell culture vessels, tubes, pipettes, etc. Safety devices should be used when available (e.g. mylar-coated capillary tubes, safety needles).

All disposable sharps must be placed in designated sharps containers that meet the following criteria:

Conveniently located to work areas

Puncture-resistant

Autoclavable

Leakproof on sides and bottom

Appropriately labeled or color-coded red to indicate hazardous waste

Has a lid or other means of closing the container

Maintained in an upright manner

Autoclaved when containers are no more than 2/3 full

Never emptied or have items removed

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping in laboratories can reduce the risk of accidents occurring. Work benches should be kept as clutter-free as feasible, and aisles should always be free of trip hazards. Benches should be wiped down with an approved disinfectant at least once a day and immediately after a spill of potentially infectious materials.

Non-Laboratorians in Technical Areas

Support Personnel

Each BSL2 laboratory is responsible for posting a Support Personnel Information Sheet (see Appendix A for example) in the location where PPE for support personnel is stored. It is the responsibility of laboratorians and supervisors to ensure that all support personnel who enter the technical lab space:

(1) read and understand the policy and have the opportunity to ask questions

(2) comply with all rules and policies during their visit. Any maintenance or repairs is pre-arranged with supervisor and laboratorians who will provide escort and supervision of personnel.

Prior to allowing support personnel into the technical laboratory area, laboratorians are responsible for ensuring that surfaces and equipment in the area have been decontaminated and that no infectious or potentially infectious work is being conducted in the immediate area where non-laboratory support services are being performed.

Visitors

Non-support personnel must have a business need to enter laboratory space. Friends, family, former colleagues, etc. are prohibited from entering laboratory space to ensure that they do not encounter any biological, chemical, or radiologic hazards.

Appendix A

Support Personnel Information

BSL2 Laboratories

All possible measures have been taken to protect you from exposure to hazards present in this lab. This includes surface decontamination of any equipment or surfaces you will come in direct contact with.

You will be outfitted in proper personal protective equipment.

You will be monitored by an approved laboratorian while in the lab. It is imperative that you follow all instructions from the laboratorian to ensure your safety. The laboratorian will direct you what steps to take in case of an emergency.

Please follow proper entry, exit, and decontamination procedures as directed by the laboratorian. Discuss items/equipment you will need to bring into the lab prior to entering.

No food or drink (including chewing gum) is allowed in the lab. If you have food/drink on your person or in your bag/equipment, please tell the laboratorian prior to entering the lab and they will instruct you where to leave the items.

You should not apply cosmetics (including lip balm) or touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Hands MUST always be washed each time gloves are removed.