The ORCBS - Biological Safety - Programs & Guidelines

The Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory: Safety Equipment

The following safety equipment must be used in a BSL-3 lab:

Biological safety cabinets (BSC)
A biological safety cabinet must be used whenever working with infectious materials. Other physical containment devices may be used with the approval of the Biological Safety Officer.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The use of laboratory coats, gowns or uniforms with a solid front is required when in the laboratory. Work with certain agents may require that street clothes be removed and dedicated lab clothing be worn. Protective clothing cannot be worn outside of the lab. 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 must be decontaminated before being laundered and must be laundered at the University. It must not be taken home. If visibly contaminated, laundry should be placed in a biohazard bag before be placed with other items to go to laundry.

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