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The Biosafety Level 1 Laboratory: Laboratory Design and Facilities

The facilities required in a biosafety level one laboratory include the following:

• Doors
  Doors are required for access control. They should be kept locked when no one is present in the laboratory.
   
• Sink
  A sink must be available and supplied for handwashing (i.e., stocked with soap and paper towels).
   
• Easily cleaned
  The lab must be designed in a way that allows it to be cleaned easily. Carpets and rugs are not allowed. Spaces between benches, cabinets and equipment must be accessible for cleaning.
   
• Furniture
  Furniture in the lab must be appropriate for the anticipated use. Bench tops must be impervious to water and resistant to heat, organic solvents, acids, alkalis and other chemicals. Chairs used in conjunction with lab work must be covered with a non-porous material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
   
• Windows
  If the lab has windows that can be opened to the outdoors, they must be fitted with screens.

BSL1: Standard Microbiological Practices

Biosafety Manual Table of Contents