Level of protection appropriate for handling moderate-risk agents that cause human disease of varying severity by ingestion or through percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure. Biosafety Level 2: Overview - Biosafety Level 2 standards, protocols, and engineering, design, and construction techniques build upon BSL-1. - BSL-2 cleanrooms and laboratories commonly handle applications such as equine encephalitis viruses and HIV, as well as Staphylococcus aureus (staph infections). - BSL-2 cleanrooms and laboratories are separated from the general traffic patterns in the building. - Special containment equipment or facility design is required - Personnel must have specific training in the procedures conducted in the BSL-2 cleanroom or laboratory. Personnel are trained to handle pathogenic agents and are supervised by those with advanced training. - Biosafety cabinets or other physical containment for all procedures that can generate infectious aerosols or splashes. - Autoclave or other method of decontamination for proper disposal of materials or sterilization for re-use. - Eyewash station or eyewash safety shower - Interlocking doors, and commonly with badge-controlled facility access - Extra care is taken to control routes of exposure, including advanced techniques for handling contaminated sharps - Immunizations are provided to lab personnel when appropriate - Additional PPE, such as face shields may be necessary - A lab-specific biosafety manual that outlines the necessary controls and practices for the work performed in that lab is established and well known by the trained team working in the area. Common BSL-2 Considerations for Architectural Finishes - Materials of construction and finishes: non-porous, smooth, cleanable, withstand cleaning / sanitization agents, not supporting microbial growth - Walls: modular construction - Ceilings: modular panel system - Doors: single & double leaf sliding seamless door frame - Floors: troweled self-leveling epoxy flooring - Exterior glazing: not recommended, corridor separating exterior from BSL spaces preferred - Interior glazing: single or double glaze impact resistant and sealed - Air Changes Per Hour (ACPH): 15 minimum
