Biosafety Level 1
BSL-1 is appropriate for working with microorganisms that are not known to cause disease in
healthy human humans. This is the type of laboratory found in municipal water-testing
laboratories, in high schools, and in some community colleges teaching introductory
microbiology classes, where the agents are not considered hazardous.
There is a door that can be closed to keep visitors out of the lab while work with the agents is in progress. Hazard warning signs may be posted on the door indicating any hazards that may be present, including radioactive materials, lazar lights, high noise emitting equipment, or toxic chemicals. There is a hand-washing sink available, preferably near the door. Waste materials are segregated according to hazard…
The bench tops should be impervious to acid and all furniture should be sturdy. If
there are openable windows in the lab, they should be fitted with screens.
The lab should be constructed in such a manner that it can be easily cleaned and
decontaminated. At BSL-1 there is no specific recommendation that the laboratory be isolated
from other parts of the building. Although there is no specific biological safety reason for having
more than six air changes per hour in a BSL-1 laboratory, it may be necessary if there are
volatile or toxic chemicals in use. In general, inward directional airflow is the ideal.
standard microbiological practices include the use of mechanical pipetting devices, having a prohibition on eating, drinking and smoking in the lab, and requiring hand washing by
all persons when they finish their work or when exiting the laboratory. Persons working in the
lab should wear a lab coat to protect their street clothes. It is a recommended practice to wear
gloves while manipulating the agents. Additional protective equipment may include working
behind a splatter shield or wearing eye or face protection. At BSL-1, no special precautions are…
