biosafety levels

the centers for disease control

classified organisms into levels in six guidelines for handling and safety measures required

bsl or biosafety level 1

agents not known to cause disease in healthy adults and standard microbiological practices apply

biosafety level 1

no safety equipment required

sinks required

Bacillus subtilis

Micrococcus luteus

examples of biosafety level 1

biosafety level 2

agents associated with human disease and standard microbiological practices applied + limited access, biohazard signs, sharps precautions, and biosafety manual required

biosafety cabinet

use for aerosol or splash generating operations; laboratory coats, gloves, face protection required

biosafety level 2

biosafety level where contaminated waste is autoclave

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus pyogenes

examples of biosafety level 2

biosafety level 3

indigenous or exotic agents that may have serious or lethal consequences with a potential for aerosol transmission

biosafety level 3

practices controlled access, contamination of all waste and lab clothing before laundering, determination of baseline antibody titers to agents

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Vesicular stomatitis virus

examples of biosafety level 3

biosafety level 4

dangerous or exotic agents of a life threatening nature or unknown risk of transmission

biosafety level 4

shower is required before leaving the laboratory, all materials decontaminated on exit, pressure personal suit required for entry, separated or isolated building

ebola

lassa viruses

examples of biosafety level 4

biosafety level 1

not likely to post a disease risk to healthy adults

biosafety level 2

possess a moderate risk to healthy adults; unlikely to spread throughout community; effective treatment readily available

biosafety level 3

can cause disease in healthy adults; may spread to community; effective treatment readily available

biosafety level 4

can cause disease in healthy adults; possess a little risk and does not respond to vaccines or antimicrobial therapy