When working with biological contaminants, protecting just the worker is oftentimes not enough. Systems must also be in place to protect the environment and the facility from possible contamination. Depending on the type of potentially infectious biological microorganism or laboratory animal, specific containment and safety procedures must be followed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have defined four biosafety levels, BSL-1 through BSL-4. Within each level, laboratory practices and techniques; laboratory facilities; and engineering controls have been recommended for the handling of hazards posed by the infectious organisms within each […]