The ORCBS - Biological Safety - Programs & Guidelines

Animal Facility - Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2)

Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers and Personal Protective Equipment)
The following safety equipment must be used in an ABSL-2 lab:

Containment equipment
A biological safety cabinet (BSC), 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. The BSC must be properly maintained as per the manufacturer's recommendations. This includes certification of the cabinet at least annually, when moved and when serviced.

Animals are housed in primary containment equipment when it is indicated by the risk assessment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Appropriate personal protective equipment should be determined by the risk assessment. The use of laboratory coats, gowns or uniforms and other required PPE must be worn while in areas where infectious materials or animals are manipulated or housed. Protective clothing must not be worn outside of areas where infectious materials or animals are being handled. Uniforms must not be worn outside of the animal facility. Splash goggles must be worn 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 when in areas with a potential for high concentrations of airborne particles. Gloves must be worn as protection from hazardous materials. 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 should be disposed of with other contaminated waste and must not be washed or reused. Hands must be washed after removing gloves, and before leaving the laboratory. Gloves cannot be worn outside of the animal room. All reusable protective clothing must be laundered by MSU laundry or at the animal facility. It cannot be taken home.