Introduction to Biosafety and Biosecurity
- Biosafety is the development and implementation of administrative policies, work practices, facility design, and safety equipment.
- Used to prevent transmission of biologic agents to workers, other persons, and the environment.
- A fundamental objective of any biosafety program is the containment of potentially harmful biological agents.
- Biosecurity is protection of high-consequence microbial agents and toxins, or critical relevant information, against theft or diversion by those who intend to pursue intentional misuse
- Diagnostic testing which does not involve culture or isolation of viruses can be done in a BSL-2 Laboratory (as a minimum requirement). (WHO guideline)
- The following practices are required in a BSL-2 lab setting for COVID-19 Laboratory:
- Appropriate PPE is worn, including lab coats and gloves, eye protection and face shields should also be worn
- Restricted access to the laboratory when work is being conducted
- All procedures must be performed based on risk assessment and only by personnel with demonstrated capability, in strict observance of any relevant protocols at all times.
- Initial processing (before inactivation) of specimens should take place in a validated biological safety cabinet (BSC) or primary containment device.
- Propagative work (for example virus culture or neutralization assays) should be conducted in a containment laboratory with inward directional airflow (BSL-3).
- Appropriate disinfectants with proven activity against enveloped viruses should be used
- Procedures that cause infection from aerosols/splashes are done within a biological safety cabinet (BSC)