Biosafety Level
Biosafety level (BSL) is a set of safety guidelines that are used to protect laboratory workers and the environment from exposure to infectious agents.
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| Biosafety Level |
There are four levels of biosafety, each with increasing levels of protection:
- BSL-1: This level is used for work with agents that are not known to cause disease in healthy humans. Standard laboratory practices and personal protective equipment are used to prevent exposure.
- BSL-2: This level is used for work with agents that pose a moderate risk of infection through inhalation, ingestion, or contact with broken skin. Additional safety measures, such as biological safety cabinets and restricted access, are used to prevent exposure.
- BSL-3: This level is used for work with agents that can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation. Special engineering controls, such as negative pressure ventilation, are used to prevent the release of infectious agents into the environment.
- BSL-4: This level is used for work with agents that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease for which there is no cure or treatment. Workers must wear full-body, air-supplied suits and work in airtight laboratories with multiple layers of containment.
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| Four Biosafety Levels |
Personal Protective Equipment:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements vary depending on the biosafety level (BSL) of the laboratory and the type of infectious agent being handled. Here are some examples of PPE required for each BSL:
- BSL-1: Lab coats, gloves, and eye protection.
- BSL-2: Lab coats, gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, and face shields.
- BSL-3: Respirators, full-body suits, gloves, eye protection, and face shields.
- BSL-4: Full-body, air-supplied suits, gloves, eye protection, and face shields.
Tags:
Clinical Chemistry