The ORCBS - Biological Safety - Programs & Guidelines

The Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory: Safety Equipment

The following safety equipment must be used in a BSL-2 lab:

Biological safety cabinets (BSC)
A biological safety cabinet, or a combination of PPE and other containment devices (as approved by the biological safety officer) must be used when there is the potential for the creation of infectious aerosols or splashes. This includes, but is not limited to: pipetting, centrifuging, mixing, sonicating, blending, shaking, opening containers, intranasal inoculation of animals, and harvesting tissues. A BSC must also be used when handling large volumes or high concentrations of potentially infectious materials. Centrifugation of these materials may be done outside of the BSC if sealed rotors or centrifuge safety cups are used. See the following section of this manual for additional information: Safety Equipment- Biological Safety Cabinets .

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The use of laboratory coats, gowns or uniforms is required when handling hazardous materials. Splash goggles and face protection must be used when there is the potential for splashes of microorganisms or other hazardous materials. Personnel who wear contact lenses should wear safety glasses or other eye protection at all times while in the laboratory. Gloves must be worn as protection from hazardous materials. Two pairs should be worn as appropriate. If latex gloves are used, alternatives should be made available. Gloves must be changed when contaminated, when the integrity has been compromised, or when necessary. Disposable gloves must not be washed or reused. Hands must be washed after removing gloves, and before leaving the laboratory. All protective equipment must be removed before leaving the laboratory. Used disposable PPE should be disposed of with other contaminated waste. Reusable PPE (i.e., goggles) should be appropriately decontaminated before reuse. Reusable laboratory clothing should be laundered through MSU Laundry. It must not be taken home. If visibly contaminated, laundry should be placed in a biohazard bag before being placed with other items to go to laundry.

Animal rooms
Eye, face and respiratory protection should be used as appropriate in rooms containing infected animals.