Question

Question: What is the BSL levels required to use a BSC 1?

Is it BSL 2 (given that the aerosol production and splashes are high) and BSL 3 ?

Thank you!

Answer 1

• BSL or Bio safety levels are incorporated to safeguard environment and the laboratory personnel, against agents including: Bacteria, fungi, Rickettsia, parasites, prions, and viruses.
• There are for levels of BSL:

1. BSL 1:

• Includes works related to low risk or non-pathogenic microorganisms (lab strains of E. coli).
• The works are performed in open lab benches.
• Laboratory building is not isolated from the main building.
• Standard microbiological practices used.
• No special contaminant equipment implemented.

2. BSL 2:

• Work including moderately infectious agents or microorganism causing moderate infection levels or hazards (like Streptococcus pyogenes).
• Requires caution from cuts, wounds, pricks, through which contamination and risk are enhanced.
• Special safety levels preferably use of Bio-safety Cabinets class I or II (BSC I or II) should be used.

3. BSL 3:

• Works include microorganisms that are exotic or indigenous (like West Nile viruses, yellow fever, tuberculosis).
• Work include potential hazard and may be fatal, thus require registrations with Government agencies.
• BSC use is compulsory. BSC I or II may be used, BSC II is preferable.

4. BSL 4:

• Include work with life-threatening disease-causing organisms (like Ebola virus, Lassa viruses).
• BSC level III is preferable, BSC I and BSC II may be used with combination with full body suit, positive pressure may be used.