Basic Documentation

Page 2 of 10 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Document No. 149-997
low. However, BSL-2 laboratories increasingly
utilize biologi
cal safety cabinets for greater
worker protection.
All room surfaces and fixtures (HVAC grills,
lights, wall switches, etc.) in a BSL-2 laboratory
room must be able to be thoroughly cleaned and
sanitized. Provisions must also be made for
sterilization of all room apparatus and the
decontamination of all biological waste material.
 Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)–This classification
applies to a containment laboratory working with
highly infectious agents that can cause serious
or lethal disease, often transmissible by air and
can pose a significant health risk to the general
population. (This includes agents that might be
used in a biological attack.)
 Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4)–This is a maximum
containment laboratory for work with highly
infectious, exotic and extremely lethal agents.
Typically, there is no known antidote for
exposure to the biological agents. Standards
pose extensive safety requirements for this type
of laboratory that often involves the use of full
body airtight worker protective suits with a
respiration connection. High security must also
be maintained to prevent unauthorized access.
In actuality, comparatively few laboratories are
designed to meet BSL-4 criteria.
 Biosafety Level 3 Agriculture (BSL-3AG)–This
type of laboratory classification is a designation
by the USDA Animal Research Service (ARS)
and applies to a laboratory that presents a high
risk of infection from agents that normally affect
larger animals and plant foodstuffs. Examples
include Foot and Mouth Disease, Mad Cow
Disease, and Q Fever. BSL-3AG laboratories
need to follow most of the design criteria of a
BSL-4 laboratory with the main exception being
no requirement for worker full body protection
suits.
Architectural Requirements for BSL-3
Laboratories
The following compilation of physical design
requirements for BSL-3 laboratories is taken from
the previously listed standards; augmented by good
engineering considerations:
1. The most preferable arrangement is where the
BSL-3 laboratory and associated support rooms
are in an entirely separate building. However, if
a BSL-3 laboratory is within a larger building, the
actual laboratory rooms and associated support
rooms should be separated from the other areas
of the building. Separation methods can include
locating the BSL-3 laboratory unit or suite
2
in a
remote part of the building that is inaccessible to
non-authorized personnel. Another possibility is
locating it at the blind end of a building corridor.
2. When the laboratory room entry is not from
within a laboratory suite, the entry provision
should incorporate two self-closing doors.
3
Electrical door access control systems should be
supplemented by mechanical locks so that entry
can be prevented during abnormal situations
such as a gaseous room or biosafety cabinet
decontamination. Doors should be of a sufficient
width to allow movement of equipment—typically
36 inches wide. However, in some situations
wider doors may be required. For safety, all
doors should have vision panels and the
necessary fire rating. The entry arrangement
should also prevent entrance of vermin and
insects. An emergency exit from a laboratory or
suite may be necessary in case the primary exit
becomes unusable. Applicable fire codes affect
this requirement.
3. Appropriate signs should be at the laboratory
entry as well as other locations, as may be
appropriate. Signs should identify the potential
hazards and state that only specific personnel
are allowed in the area. Additional information
should include the name(s) and contact
information regarding regular laboratory
operations and also what to do and whom to call
in emergencies.
4. Laboratory rooms within the BSL-3 unit should
be designed with ample working space and
sufficient space for the required equipment. The
room layout should facilitate cleaning,
decontaminating and sanitizing. The
temperature and humidity generally needs to be
2. A BSL-3 biological laboratory typically involves more than a
single room. Typically, a suite of several rooms adjacent to
the laboratory room itself is necessary to fulfill the health and
safety requirements as well as enable the overall laboratory
functions to be carried out.
3. A laboratory suite may encompass several laboratory rooms
and associated support rooms. Entry into the laboratory suite
requires passage through clothes changing areas that are
negatively pressurized with respect to the outer corridor and
the non-laboratory areas of a building. Once inside the
laboratory suite, entry into individual BSL-3 laboratory and
support rooms does not then require special double door
entry provisions.