Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Practices and Procedures

This module describes primary and secondary containment and the role they play in BSL-3 facilities, reviews the similarities and differences between risk assessments and biosafety levels, and discusses the risks presented in planned procedures and how to conduct effective risk assessments.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21134 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

Learners explore the importance of biological safety cabinets (BSC) as critical safety equipment in biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facilities. The nuances of working with the various types of BSCs and how BSC features can increase or decrease safety will be discussed. Considerations for choosing BSCs during facility development and common issues impacting the facility and staff will be addressed.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21135 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

This module discusses the impact the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) has on the United States biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories' construction, and management. How and when the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) become applicable will be reviewed.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21136 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

The usefulness of personal protective equipment is discussed in relation to the hierarchy of controls. Personal protective equipment has often been seen as the last line of defense, but sometimes, it is the only barrier between the wearer and the hazard.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21137 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

Managing the waste generated within a BSL-3 facility is critical to protecting the population and environment both in and outside of laboratories. This module will discuss the various methods of waste decontamination available to federal, state, and local governmental requirements.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21138 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

The module provides the groundwork for the planning process needed to develop a comprehensive emergency response plan for a BSL-3 facility. Although the general steps associated with an emergency response plan are usually the same, the learner will see why it is essential to include the specifics of the facility, equipment, and procedures in place.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21139 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

Communicating the unique operations of a BSL-3 laboratory/facility occurs through training. Building and executing a comprehensive training program shall not be taken for granted. This module provides an organized approach, starting with identifying all the requirements necessary to work in a general laboratory within the facility and ending with the impact complacency and over-confidence may have on performance.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21140 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

Biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facilities require constant upkeep and maintenance. However, this can be extremely difficult to accomplish, given the number of hazards in such facilities. Many facilities undergo a once-a-year facility shutdown where, during that time, all equipment and facility operations are tested and recalibrated. The type of maintenance, regulatory requirements, and best practices are discussed.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21141 (English)
Author(s): Gabrielle Repik, MS, MHS, CBSP, CMAR, RLATG - Weill Cornell Medicine

Mitigating the risk to the individuals who work in the BSL-3 or support the BSL-3 is done through an occupational health program. This module discusses the team approach for creating and managing the program.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21142 (English)
Author(s): Michelle Eckstein, BS, LVT, LATg, CMAR, CPIA - Weill Cornell Medicine