Setting Up a Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory

This page is intended as a guide for researchers setting up Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratories. Adherence to this guide will result in compliance with the CDC's guidelines (Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, ed. 5) and facilitate passing a lab inspection conducted by the Biosafety Officer.

Facility Requirements

Lockable doors
Impermeable work surfaces
Sealed/locked windows
Access to an autoclave

Hand washing station (sink, soap/alcohol gel and paper towels)
Eyewash
Load bearing furniture (not covered in absorbent material)
Negative air pressure (can be confirmed by the Biosafety Officer)

Supplies

Autoclave tray
Biohazard waste container/bags
Dust pan and broom
Disinfectants (e.g. bleach and ethanol)
Sharps container

BSL-2 placards (Provided by Biosafety Officer)
Secondary container for transporting biohazards (sealed, leak proof and labeled as biohazard)
Disposable gloves
Lab coats
Face and respiratory protection may be needed based on procedures and agents

Equipment and Supplies for Mammalian/Viral Culture

Certified biosafety cabinet
Vacuum trap for liquid waste
HEPA filtered vacuum line
Method for decontaminating pipets
*Recommended* Designated cloth or disposable lab coats for viral culture
*Recommended* Centrifuges with sealed rotors or safety cups to contain aerosols
Examples with ordering information

Procedures

Personnel should follow the lab's safety protocol.
All liquid waste should be inactivated prior to disposal. Bleach should be added to a final concentration of 10% and allowed 30 minutes to inactivate infectious agents.
Solid waste should be decontaminated with 10% bleach and/or autoclaved prior to disposal.

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