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Division 1 These tables present the normal minimum requirements and measures necessary for each level of containment.

United Kingdom

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

Containment is also achieved through the use of good work practices, training, containment equipment and special installation design. For all activities involving GMMs the principles of good microbiological practice and the following principles of good occupational safety and hygiene shall apply:

  1. (i)

    to keep workplace and environmental exposure to any GMM to the lowest practicable level;

  2. (ii)

    to exercise engineering control measures at source and to supplement these with appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment when necessary;

  3. (iii)

    to test adequately and maintain control measures and equipment;

  4. (iv)

    to test, when necessary, for the presence of viable process organisms outside the primary physical containment;

  5. (v)

    to provide appropriate training of personnel;

  6. (vi)

    to establish biological safety committees or subcommittees, if required;

  7. (vii)

    to formulate and implement local codes of practice for the safety of personnel, as required;

  8. (viii)

    where appropriate, to display biohazard signs;

  9. (ix)

    to provide washing and decontamination facilities for personnel;

  10. (x)

    to keep adequate records;

  11. (xi)

    to prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or the storing of food for human consumption in the work area;

  12. (xii)

    to prohibit mouth pipetting;

  13. (xiii)

    to provide written standard operating procedures where appropriate to ensure safety;

  14. (xiv)

    to have effective disinfectants and specified disinfection procedures available in case of spillage of GMMs;

  15. (xv)

    to provide safe storage for contaminated laboratory equipment and materials, when appropriate.

Notes on Division CONTAINMENT AND OTHER PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Footnotes

f1
Isolation

  • the laboratory is separated from other areas in the same building or is in a separate building.

    • f2
    Airlock

  • entry must be through an airlock which is a chamber isolated from the laboratory. The clean side of the airlock must be separated from the restricted side by changing or showering facilities and preferably by interlocking doors.

    • f3

    Activities where transmission does not occur via airborne route.

    f4
    HEPA

  • High efficiency particulate air.

    • f5

    Where viruses which are not retained by HEPA filters are used, extra requirements will be necessary for extract air.

    f6

    With validated procedures, allowing the safe transfer of material into an autoclave outside the lab, and providing an equivalent level of protection.

    f7

    The glasshouse shall consist of a permanent structure with a continuous waterproof covering, located on a site graded to prevent entry of surface-water run-off, and with self-closing lockable doors.

    f8

    Where transmission can occur through the ground.

    f9
    Animal unit

  • a building or separate area within a building containing facilities and other areas such as changing rooms, showers, autoclaves, food storage areas, etc.

    • f10
    Animal facility

  • a facility normally used to house stock, breeding or experimental animals or one which is used for the performance of minor surgical procedures.

    • f11
    Isolators

  • transparent boxes where small animals are contained within or outside a cage; for large animals, isolated rooms may be more appropriate.