Basic Biological Safety

Reference:
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 6th Edition
P. J. Meechan & J. Potts(Eds.)
Introduction
From the earliest days of microbiological research, acquiring infections was a recognized
occupational hazard. Most common were those caused by bacterial agents. (Example:
1941 Meyer and Eddie study- 74 lab associated brucellosis infections in US)

As microbiologists learned to culture animal viruses, they also became infected with
them. (Example: 1949 Sulkin and Pike study- 222 viral infections; 21 fatal; only 27% related to known
accidents)

In 1951, 1965, 1976 - Sulkin and Pike conducted surveys to find lab-associated
infections:
• Surveyed over 5,000 labs and documented 3,921 cases.
• Fewer than 20% were associated with known accidents.
• Exposure to infectious aerosols was a plausible means of transmission (but unconfirmed) for
>80% of the reported cases.
• Most commonly reported infections:
• Hepatitis
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid
• Brucellosis
• Tularemia
• Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis
Biosafety Level Guidelines
Based on data from the surveys and an understanding of the risks associated with
manipulating agents transmissible by different routes, biosafety guidelines evolved as a
means to protect microbiological workers.

Biosafety levels (BSLs) work on the premise that safe work sites result from a
combination of engineering controls, management policies, work practices and
procedures, and occasionally, medical interventions.

Biosafety levels 1-3 provide increasing levels of personnel and environmental protection.
Guidelines for working safely in microbiological and biomedical laboratories are based on
combinations of:
• Laboratory Practices and Techniques
• Standard Practices
• Special Practices
• Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers)
• Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)
Laboratory Practices and Techniques

Administrative controls need to be in effect and upper-level management must

set the tone that safety is a high priority at the institution, often shown through
financing, staffing, training, allocations, decisions, etc.
Knowledgeable supervisors in labs are responsible for providing assurance that
laboratorians are provided appropriate instruction and oversight.
Personnel must be:
• Aware of potential hazards
• Proficient in practices and techniques
Biosafety procedures specific to the lab must be in place.
Safety Equipment – Primary Barriers
Various types of specialized equipment are crucial to safe working conditions
and serve as a primary barrier between the microorganism and the laboratorian.
These are:
• Biosafety cabinets (BSCs)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, gowns, and lab
coats
• Pipetting devices
• Centrifuge safety cups and rotors
• Eye and face protection
Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)
Work suitable for BSL1 facilities involves:
• Well-characterized agents not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adult humans
• Minimal hazards to laboratory personnel and the environment
This type of lab would generally be found in:
• High schools
• Introductory microbiology classes
• Water-testing laboratories, etc.
• Facilities where agents are not considered hazardous
Examples of agents used in BSL1 labs are:
• Bacillus subtilis
• E. coli (K12 strains)
• Infectious canine hepatitis virus
• Naegleria gruberi (a protozoan)
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
BSL-1 Personnel Roles
The laboratory supervisor will:
• Have general training in microbiology or a related science
• Establish general lab safety procedures
• Ensure each laboratorian is properly educated on the potential hazards and
appropriate procedures

Lab Personnel will:

• Complete all training, e.g., required courses and annual updates
• Follow prescribed practices and protocols
BSL-1 Facility Design
Laboratory location – There is no specific recommendation that BSL1 labs be
isolated from other parts of the building.
Laboratory structure – All surfaces should be easily cleaned and
decontaminated.
Laboratory ventilation – There is no specific biological safety reason for
having more than six air changes per hour in a BSL1 lab; however, use of other
materials may impact the ventilation requirements (use of volatile or toxic
chemicals). Inward directional airflow is ideal.
 BSL-1 Laboratory Design Features

• The lab has a door to limit access while

work with agents is in progress.
• A hand washing sink should be available.
• Work can be done on open benches.
• Waste materials are segregated
according to waste type.
BSL-1 Laboratory Design Features
(cont.)
• Work surfaces are impervious to water, resistant to heat and
chemicals, and are easily cleaned.
• Carpets and rugs are not appropriate.
• Spaces between benches and equipment are accessible for cleaning.
• Furniture is sturdy and covered with non-porous material that can be
easily cleaned and decontaminated.
• Windows are fitted with fly screens.
• Illumination is adequate for all activities and avoids reflections and
glare that could impede vision.
Standard Microbiological Practices-
Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the most important
procedures used to prevent microbiological agents,
radioactive materials, or chemicals from
contaminating you and the lab environment. Always
wash hands after removing gloves.

Liquid soap is preferred over bar soap; 20 seconds of

vigorous lathering is recommended. Use a paper towel
to dry hands and turn off faucets.
BSL-1 Standard Microbiological Practices

• Use mechanical pipetting devices, never

mouth pipette.
• Prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in
the lab.
• Do not wear PPE outside of lab or work
area.
• Wash hands when finishing work and/or
exiting the lab.
• Restrict or limit access when work is
going on.
BSL-1 Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers)

While manipulating agents, laboratorians

should always wear protective clothing or
equipment, including:
• Lab coat
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Gloves
Additional PPE, such as a face shield, may
be needed if there is a chance for splash or
splatter of materials

Open-toed shoes and sandals are NOT

acceptable footwear in laboratories.
 Proper Glove Removal
Proper glove removal is very important. The contaminated surfaces of both gloves
should be contained inside the gloves when you are finished. Follow the steps
depicted below for proper removal of disposable gloves:
1 2 3

4 5 6
Disposable Gloves – Important Notes
• Change gloves when contaminated or glove integrity is compromised.
• Never reuse disposable gloves!
• Wash hands after removing gloves.
• Avoid touching phones, doorknobs, and light switches while wearing gloves to
prevent spreading contamination.
• All disposable gloves must be placed in a biohazard waste container,
not with regular trash!
BSL-1: No Special Practices or
Precautions
In a BSL-1 laboratory, standard microbiological practices (as discussed in
previous slides) should be followed.
However, there are no special practices or precautions required for work in a
BSL-1 laboratory.
Standard Laboratory Attire

Standard laboratory attire includes:

• Closed‐toe, solid-top shoes.
• Clothing that covers the legs, such as long pants or equivalent.
• Shirts that cover all skin with exception to the lower portion of
the arms

Clothing through which skin can be seen does not provide proper
protection, and therefore does not meet the definition of standard
laboratory attire. Open-toe shoes, sandals, flip-flops, shorts, capri-
pants, crop-tops, spaghetti strapped tops and similar attire that
may result in skin exposure to hazards must not be worn in
research laboratories
Waste Disposal

All pipette tips and labware must be

placed in either the biohazard waste
containers or in the case of sharps
(Pasteur pipettes, needles, etc.),
placed in a sharps container.

If materials fall on the floor, be sure to

pick them up and place in the correct
waste container.

DO NOT leave items on the lab floor

Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)
The facility, containment devices, administrative controls, and
practices/procedures that constitute BSL2 are designed to maximize safe
working conditions for laboratorians working with agents of moderate risk to
personnel and the environment.
Agents manipulated at BSL2 are quite frequently ones to which workers have
had exposure in the community and to which they have already experienced an
immune response. Immunization or antibiotic treatment is generally available.
Examples of BSL2 agents:
• Adenovirus
• Hepatitis B virus
• Measles virus
• Salmonella species
• Toxoplasma species
BSL-2 Precautions

Transmission of BSL2 agents occurs through

ingestion, exposure to mucous membranes, or
intradermal exposure. The following precautions
are intended to prevent such exposures:
• Eating, drinking and smoking are
prohibited in BSL-2 Labs.
• Extreme precaution must be taken with
contaminated needles, razor blades, and
sharp instruments.

A sign incorporating the biohazard symbol must

be posted at the entrance to the laboratory when
infectious agents are present.
BSL-2 Facility Design

Access – The door to the laboratory is kept closed to minimize unnecessary

access by casual visitors, vendors, or persons who do not need to be in the lab.
Doors should be self-closing and lockable.

Ventilation – There is no requirement for directional inward airflow in a BSL2

lab, except as may be required for chemical odor control; however, new facilities
should provide an inward flow of air, with no recirculation to areas outside the
laboratory.
 BSL-2 Laboratory Design Features

A BSL-2 lab has similar design features as a

BSL-1 lab, PLUS:
• An eye-wash is readily available
• Vacuum lines are protected with liquid
disinfectant traps and in-line HEPA filters.
• A method for decontaminating all waste is
available (i.e., autoclave, chemical)
• Autoclaving:
• Place waste materials in an autoclavable
biohazard bag.
• When autoclaving, add ~ 250 ml of water to
bags of solid waste in order to create
additional steam that drives residual air from
the bag.
BSL-2 Standard Microbiological
Practices
As the biosafety level increases, all microbiological practices and procedures
delineated for the lower level(s) are carried forward to the next higher level.
Thus, those explained earlier for BSL-1 are still in effect at BSL-2, with emphasis
on:
• Personnel having specific training in handling infectious agents and
associated procedures,
• Restricting access to the lab while work is in progress, and
• Using a BSC for all procedures which generate aerosols or splashes, e.g.
pipetting, centrifuging, grinding, mixing, sonication using an open
container, etc.
BSL-2 Safety Equipment (Primary
Barriers)
At BSL-2, all work that might create aerosols of infectious materials must be
done under “containment.”
The most commonly used device is a BSC and should be used to prevent
exposures when working with or creating:
• Aerosols and splashes
• Large volumes
• High concentrations
Introduction to Biosafety Cabinets
A BSC is a ventilated cabinet that provides personnel, product, and environmental
protection from biological hazards. It has:
• Inward airflow that provides personnel protection.
• HEPA filtered exhausted air that provides environmental protection.
• Downward HEPA filtered laminar flow that provides product protection (with
the exception of the Class 1 BSC).
There are several classes and types of BSCs. The most common cabinet is a Class
II, Type A2 BSC. In the following slides, we will discuss the basics of how this type
of cabinet works and how to properly use this type of cabinet. For a more detailed
training on BSCs, please refer to our Biological Safety Cabinets course (course
W520BO).
Contact the Associate Biosafety Officer (Contact Us) or bio-cabinet@uiowa.edu, for
questions regarding proper use of a BSC.
 How Does a BSC Function?
Room air is drawn in at the face opening (intake) and is immediately
drawn through the front grill and under the work surface, as shown
by the green arrows. (Note: This inward airflow provides
personnel protection.)
The air is then pulled through the rear air plenum to the top of the
Exhaust HEPA
cabinet where it is divided into two chambers. 30% of the air is
exhausted out into the room through the exhaust high efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filter (Note: This provides environmental
Supply HEPA
protection.) The remaining 70% of the air is directed through the
supply HEPA filter down onto the work surface in a laminar flow
directional air pattern (Note: This provides product protection.)
• The typical HEPA filter removes the most penetrating particles
(0.3 micron in size) with an efficiency of 99.97%. Larger and
smaller particles are removed with even greater efficiency.
• The air returned to the lab and delivered to the work surface is
virtually sterile.
Proper Use of a BSC
• BSCs should be located away from • Move arms and hands slowly in and out
doors, air vents and walkways to prevent of the cabinet so not to disturb the
disturbance of the air curtain. airflow barrier; wait 1 minute for air to
settle, then begin work.
• Adjust the chair height so the lower
portion of the sash is even with the • Aerosol-generating activities should be
worker’s armpits. performed towards the rear of the
cabinet to provide further worker
• Wipe materials with 70% alcohol to
protection.
remove external contamination before
placing in the BSC. • Always work from clean to dirty to
prevent cross-contamination.
• Lay out all equipment and supplies
before beginning work. • Do NOT use Bunsen burners in BSCs.
• Do NOT cover the front or rear grilles.
Proper Use of a BSC (continued)
Generating Aerosols
It is important to avoid generating aerosols that can be inhaled.
If aerosols have been generated outside a containment area, leave the area and
wait for at least 30 minutes for the aerosols to settle before re-entry.
Spills that occur inside a biological safety cabinet are generally safer to clean up
because the cabinet helps contain dangerous aerosols.
BSL-2 Special Practices- Personnel

The supervisor must be a competent scientist who has increased responsibilities. The
supervisor must:
• Have a technical understanding of the risks associated with the microbiological
agents in use and establish the biosafety level.
• Work with the lab director to restrict access to individuals who are at increased risk
of acquiring infection when work with infectious agents is in progress.
• Restrict access to only immunized personnel, where necessary.
• Establish personal protective standards for the lab.
• Establish training requirements and ensure lab personnel follow practices specified
in the biosafety manual.
• Ensure lab personnel demonstrate proficiency before working with agents at BSL2.
Lab personnel must:
• Be aware of potential hazards.
• Be proficient in practices and techniques.
• Have documented training.
 BSL-2 Special Practices-General Lab
Policies
General Laboratory policies include:
• Establishing policies and procedures for entry, e.g., entry of equipment
repair technicians or engineers should only be permitted if they are
familiar with the activities of the lab or are escorted by a laboratorian
who is.
• Maintaining biosafety manual/procedures specific to the lab.
• Providing training, with periodic updates provided by the supervisor, as
policies or procedures change.
• Requiring immunizations, depending on the agents used in the lab.
• Utilizing baseline serum samples. Initial samples may be obtained to
compare with future serum samples to determine if changes in
immunological response to the agents used in the lab have occurred.
• Posting biohazard warning signs on the door to the lab and on equipment
where biohazardous material is confined or used. This includes:
• All containers of biohazard materials.
• Biohazard waste containers.
• Doors/areas where biohazards are used.
• Refrigerators, freezers or other equipment used with biohazard material.
BSL-2 Special Practices-Needles and
Sharps Precautions
Dispose of sharps only in a sharps container. Employee injury often
results from the improper disposal of contaminated sharp objects (exposed
needles left out, glass shards put in trash cans). Another common source of
exposure occurs when sharps containers become over-filled. Replace
containers when they are 2/3 full.

Do not bend, break, recap, or reuse syringes or needles; place

directly into a designated sharps container.

Do not touch broken glass with your hands. Use a dustpan and brush,
forceps, or 2 pieces of cardboard to clean up the broken glass.

Try to minimize the use of needles and sharps in lab procedures.

Substitute plastic-ware for glass laboratory items whenever possible.
Safety equipment is available and should be investigated for applicability to
your situation.
Safety equipment includes:
• Mylar-wrapped and plastic hematocrit tubes
• Butterfly devices with safety locks
• Needleless systems
• Self-blunting needles
• Self-sheathing needles
BSL-2 Special Practices-Transporting
Specimens
• Transporting clinical specimens outside the lab on
campus requires the use of two containers.
• The specimen is placed in a sealable primary
container.
Primary Containers
• The primary container(s) are then placed in a
secondary container filled with enough absorbent
material to absorb the contents.
• Pack multiple primary containers in a manner that
prevents damage, e.g., a rack.
• Label secondary containers with a biohazard symbol
and an emergency contact name and phone number.
BSL-2 Special Practices-Work
Practice Controls
• Decontaminate work surfaces after completing work with infectious materials.
• Non-research animals are NOT allowed in the laboratory.
• Report all spills and accidents to your supervisor and keep an incident
logbook for recording such events to better understand what happened and
prevent similar events in the future.
Spills
How you handle a spill depends on several variables, including:

 The volume of material spilled.

 The potential concentration of the organisms in the spilled material.

 The hazards of the organisms involved.

 Where location of the spill (i.e., inside or outside a biological safety

cabinet).

When cleaning up a spill, always wear the PPE detailed in your PPE
plan or hazard assessment tool.
Spill Clean Up: Small Spill
• Cover with towels saturated with disinfectant
• Soak the area for at least 20-30 minutes, then clean up
• Use forceps or a dustpan and broom to remove any broken glass or other
sharp objects; place in a sharps container
• Discard all materials in a biohazard waste container
• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Report the spill to your supervisor
Spill Clean Up: Large Spill
• Cover the area with absorbent material such as paper towels
• Pour disinfectant around the edges of the spill and let it flow into the spill (This
avoids producing aerosols)
• Soak the area for at least 20-30 minutes, then clean up
• Use forceps or a dustpan and broom to remove any broken glass or other
sharp objects; place in a sharps container
• Disinfect surfaces again after spilled material has been removed
• Discard all materials in a biohazard waste container
• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Report the spill to your supervisor
Demo: Cleaning Up a Spill Outside of a
Biosafety Cabinet
Click on the picture below to view the demo video
Demo: Cleaning Up a Spill Inside of a
Biosafety Cabinet
Click on the picture below to view the demo video
Biosafety Level 3
The facility, containment devices, administrative controls, and
practices/procedures that constitute BSL-3 are designed to maximize safe
working conditions for laboratorians working with infectious agents that may
cause serious or potentially lethal disease as a result of exposure by
the inhalation route.

Examples of agents that require BSL-3 containment include:

• Coxiella burnetii
• Francisella tularensis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• West Nile virus
 BSL-3 Laboratory Design Features
A BSL-3 lab has similar design features
as a BSL-2 lab, PLUS:
• Separate building or isolated zone. Autoclave
• Double-door entry.
• Directional inward airflow (critical for air to move
from areas of lesser contamination to areas of
higher contamination, e.g., from the corridor Biohazardous sign
into the lab). & waste containers
• Single-pass air; exhaust air does not have to be
HEPA filtered, unless local conditions could Anteroom
permit re-entrainment into the building air
supply system.

WHO Biosafety Manual

3rd Ed., 2014
Additional BSL-3 Design Features
Aerosol generating equipment is contained, e.g., all work is done inside a BSC,
or additional containment conditions.
Wall, ceiling and floor penetrations are sealed, preventing escape of aerosols
and gas decontamination agents.
Walls, floors and ceilings are water resistant for easy cleaning, and floors are
monolithic; cove moldings extend at least 4” up the wall; and acoustic tiles are
not used.
BSL-3 Standard Microbiological
Practices
BSL3 facilities utilize the same Standard Microbiological Practices
as BSL-1 and BSL-2 labs.
BSL-3 Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers)

• A class II or III BSC must be used for the

manipulation of infectious material. A canopy
(a.k.a. thimble) connection may be used to tie
the BSC into the building’s exhaust system.
• Respiratory protection, as needed.
• If a respirator is required, an OSHA
Respiratory Program must be implemented
that includes an appropriate medical evaluation,
fit testing, and training.
• Call University Employee Health Clinic
(UEHC) at 319-356-3631 for a medical
evaluation.
• Call Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) for
additional assistance (319-335-8501).
BSL-3 Special Practices - Personnel
The supervisor is a competent scientist experienced in working with infectious
agents. The supervisor must:
• Establish criteria for entry into the lab.
• Restrict access to the lab.
• Develop policies/procedures.
• Train lab personnel.
Lab Personnel must:
• Strictly follow guidelines.
• Demonstrate proficiency in performing the
various procedures.
• Receive appropriate training.
• Report all incidents that constitute
potential exposures.
• Participate in medical surveillance.
 BSL-3 Special Practices-Work Practice
Controls
Follow BSL-3 work practice controls,
PLUS:
• All work with agents is done in a certified
BSC.
• Aerosol-containing
equipment is used (e.g.,
centrifuge containment
cups or centrifuges enclosed in a vented
area) to minimize exposures in the event
of a centrifuge failure.
• Spills are decontaminated promptly.
Biohazardous Waste
Biohazardous waste from all levels (BSL1-BSL3) must be disposed of properly.

The following slides will define what is considered biohazardous waste at the
University of Iowa and outline proper disposal procedures.
Biohazardous Waste Includes
• Cultures, stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals including but not
limited to:
• Specimens from medical, pathology and research laboratories;
• Disposable culture/petri dishes;
• Devices used to transfer, inoculate, and mix cultures;
• Wastes from the production of biologicals; and
• Discarded live and attenuated vaccines.
• Human blood, blood products, and body fluids.
• All sharps (contaminated and uncontaminated) such as:
• Needles and syringes;
• Scalpels, razors, microtome blades;
• Pasteur pipettes
• Slides and cover plates; and
• Broken glass.
Biohazardous Waste Includes (continued)
• Carcasses, body parts and bedding from animals exposed to pathogens in
research.
• Other laboratory wastes including but not limited to:
• Specimen containers;
• Disposable gloves, lab coats, masks and aprons;
• Disposable pipettes;
• All cell culture materials;
• All microorganisms constructed using rDNA;
• Pipette tips; and
• Solidified blood and body fluids.
• All wastes that have been steam sterilized.
Biohazardous Waste Information

For more information regarding biohazard waste disposal,

refer to EHS’s Biohazard Waste Guide or UI
Waste/Environmental Program Manager (Contact Us).
Absolutely no radioactive materials should be disposed
of with biohazard waste!

Contact Environmental Safety Manager for specific guidance

regarding waste that is both biohazardous and radioactive.
Non-Sharp Waste Disposal
• Place either directly into a red bag-lined Rubbermaid
transport container (tub), or a red bag-lined white
biohazard box.
• Solidify human blood, blood products & body fluids
greater than 500 ml with a product such as isolyzer &
place in a biohazard box.
• Fluid amounts less than 500 ml can be disinfected
with an approved disinfectant, followed by sewering.
• Contaminated animal carcasses, body parts & bedding
are disposed of in accordance with Office of Animal
Resources procedures, call IACUC at 319-335-7985.
 Sharps Waste Disposal
• Dispose of sharps only in a sharps container. Items that must be
disposed of in a sharps container include:
• Contaminated and uncontaminated sharp items from research and clinical
areas.
• Microscope slides and cover slips.
• Needles and syringes.
• Pasteur pipettes.
• Scalpels, razors, and microtome blades.
• Shards of contaminated broken glass.
• Employee injury often results from the improper disposal of
contaminated sharps (unsheathed used needles, glass shards put in trash
cans).
• Another common source of exposure occurs when sharps containers
become over-filled. Replace containers when they are 2/3 full.
• Do not recap needles; place directly into a designated sharps container.
Sharps Container Storage
• Sharps containers should not be stored next to regular trash bins or
biohazardous waste containers.
• Sharps thought to have been discarded in a sharps container have been
accidently disposed of in regular trash, resulting in needle stick injuries.
• Large sharps containers should be separated from other waste containers.
Handling Sharps Waste

• Never pick up contaminated glass or sharp objects with

your hands, especially broken glass.
• Use a dustpan and brush, forceps, or two pieces of
cardboard to scoop up the items for disposal.
• Place the waste in an approved sharps waste disposal
container.
Biohazardous Waste Pick up
• Secure sharps container closure with tape. Secure biowaste box liner, then close and
seal the box.
• Place sharps container or box into a red-bag lined biowaste tub. Use a gooseneck knot
to close the red bag. Secure lid on tub. Follow same procedures if red tubs are filled
directly.
• Complete the Biohazardous Waste Certification label with name, signature, room,
building and date; place on side of tub.
• Remember to keep weight of tub under 50 pounds.
• Place in designated area for pickup. Check with custodial staff for pickup information.
• Obtain clean biowaste tubs, red liners, and labels from designated dock areas, or call
EHS Waste/Environmental Program Manager (Contact Us).

Click here to see Biohazardous Waste: Instructions for Preparing Containers for Disposal
If You Experience an Exposure
Regardless of what biosafety level a person is working at, if you
ever experience an exposure:
1. Immediately cleanse the exposed area thoroughly using mild soap and water. For a
mucus membrane exposure, flush the area with copious amounts of water.
2. Report the incident immediately to your supervisor.
3. Report to the proper facility for medical evaluation and treatment.
a) Medical emergency: Injured workers will go to the University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics (UIHC) Emergency Medicine Department.
b) Hazardous exposure incident: Go to UI Occupational Health Clinic (319-356-3335) for
a medical evaluation and follow-up.
c) Bloodborne pathogens exposures: (i.e., exposure to human blood, body fluids,
tissue), go to University Employee Health Clinic (UEHC) (319-356-3631) for a medical
evaluation and follow-up.
If You Experience an Exposure(continued)
4. During working hours:
a) Call UI Occupational Health Clinic or UEHC for directions and to arrange evaluation and
treatment
5. During non-working hours and holidays:
a) Go directly to UIHC Emergency Medicine Department; they can be reached at 319-356-2233.
b) If seen in the Emergency Medicine Department, contact UEHC or UI Occupational Health Clinic
for a follow-up the next working day.
6. During your medical evaluation you should:
a) Inform medical personnel of the agent(s) or material to which you were exposed. If the
exposure involved a chemical, provide medical personnel with the chemical’s SDS if possible.
b) Inform medical personnel of the conditions and route under which exposure occurred.
c) Discuss with medical personnel the signs and symptoms of infection with the agent(s) to which
you were exposed. Ensure you are made aware of the signs/symptoms to watch for following
your visit and what you should do if those signs/symptoms appear.
Remember: report all needlesticks, splashes onto broken skin or into mucous
membranes, etc. to your supervisor or the lab manager.
Post-Exposure Follow-up
If you experience an exposure to biohazardous agents, the following forms must
be completed; you may need to assist your supervisor in completing the
required forms.
Workers Compensation – First Report of Injury Form
This form can be found on the Human Resources: Employee
Self-Service site, under Benefits.

Incident Investigation Form

The form will be automatically emailed to the individual’s supervisor upon
completion of the First Report of Injury Form. This form is also found on the EHS
web site under Forms.

Unusual Incident and Accident Report

This form is for UIHC employees only.
Health and Safety
• When shipping infectious substances or dry ice, you need to be aware of the
materials’ hazards and protective measures used to prevent or reduce the
potential for exposure to them.
• If you work with or ship human cells or human cell lines, you must complete
EHS’s Bloodborne Pathogens Training for lab workers. If you ship, or prepare
shipments of, infectious substances, you must complete EHS’s Shipping
Infectious Substances Training; this course includes safety issues related to
shipping with dry ice.
• Course information is located on our website at:
https://ehs.research.uiowa.edu/icon-safety-training-information
Export Control Regulations

• Export Control Regulations are federal regulations covering the control of certain
items, information or services when they are exported to or shared with foreign
countries or foreign persons.
• The regulations are intended to protect and promote national security and the
domestic economy.
• Failure to comply with the regulations can result in civil and/or criminal sanctions.
• Please be aware that before you share information with foreign persons or ship
materials to another country you need to review export control information on the
Department of Sponsored Programs (DSP) website at:
http://dsp.research.uiowa.edu/export-controls-and-university-research
• For questions, contact the Export Controls Coordinator, Pat Cone-Fisher (319-335-
3582 or email: export-control@uiowa.edu).
Summary
BSL 1–3
The guidelines presented in this training should be considered optimal for most lab
situations and are comprised of the following components:
• Standard Practices;
• Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers);
• Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers);
• Building (Tertiary Barriers); and
• Special Practices.
There may be instances where unique needs, unknown hazards associated with unknown
pathogens, or other contributing factors will cause supervisors or the biosafety
professional to seek higher biosafety requirements. These will be established after
appropriate risk assessments have been conducted.
CDC’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories is available online at:

https://www.cdc.gov/labs/pdf/SF__19_308133-A_BMBL6_00-BOOK-WEB-final-3.pdf
Questions?
For more information, or if you have questions about the material presented here,
contact:
EHS Biosafety Officer (Contact Us)
Training Completion Information
To get credit for this course, you
must complete the associated
quiz.
1. Click on “Modules” to access the
quiz. Next, click on “Quiz”.
2. Click on “Grades” to see your
score.
3. You must score 80% or greater
to get credit for completing this
course.

NOTE:
• If you are a paid employee your grade can be found within the specific ICON Course under Grades and will
be uploaded to Employee Self-Service, My Training, within 48-hours.
• If you are an unpaid user, your grade can only be found within the specific ICON Course under Grades
during the year in which the course was completed.
• If you are completing this course using a guest HawkID and need to provide documentation of training to
EHS staff, you will need to print a record of your graded quiz.