BSL2 Laboratory Design Guidelines

The design of a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. BSL-2 laboratories are specifically engineered to handle moderate-risk biological agents and toxins, requiring a balance between accessibility for researchers and the implementation of safety measures. The layout and construction of such facilities must prioritize the safety of both laboratory personnel and the surrounding environment while facilitating the efficient conduct of research. The design of a BSL-2 laboratory plays a pivotal role in ensuring the secure and effective exploration of biological materials within a controlled environment.  The document below provides guidelines which will be used in the design of BSL2 laboratories at Boston University

  • Laboratory doors are self-closing that open inward and have locks in accordance with institutional policies.
  • Laboratories have hand-washing sinks located near the exit doors.
  • Laboratories shall have negative pressure from the hallway and other adjacent rooms that are not laboratories.
  • Floor penetrations are sealed to prevent leakage to lower floors.
  • An Eyewash Station is present and available with enough space to access.
  • Laboratory is designed to be easily cleaned:
    • No carpets or rugs in the laboratory.
    • Perimeter Laboratory walls shall extend to the underside of the upper floor or slab with sealed and/or fire rated joints as required. Walls shall be durable, washable and resistant to detergents/disinfectants and use durable glossy acrylic or epoxy paint or equivalent. Suspended acoustical tiles shall be non-flaking material and dis-infectable panels. Grid systems shall be corrosion resistant materials. Ceilings in tissue culture, extraction, preparation, microbiology, and similar wet application laboratories should be constructed of solid water-resistant materials.
    • Floors are slip-resistant, impervious to liquids, and resistant to chemicals. Flooring is sealed by manufacture standards, monolithic/seamless, or with welded seams. Flooring material shall be coved to 4″ minimum to create a water-tight seal to the floor.
    • Spaces between benches, cabinets, and equipment hall be accessible for cleaning and decontamination.
    • Benchtops are impervious to water and resistant to heat, organic solvents, acids, alkalis, and other chemicals.
    • Chairs used in laboratory work are covered with a non-porous material that can be easily cleaned and decontaminated with appropriate disinfectants.
  • Laboratory furniture can support anticipated loads and uses.
  • Vacuum lines in use are protected with liquid disinfectant traps and in-line HEPA filters or their equivalent.
  • Laboratories with exterior windows should be fitted with fly screens.
  • Illumination is adequate for all activities and avoids reflections and glare that could impede vision.
  • Laboratory design should account for the heat load that may be generated in equipment rooms.
  • BSCs and other primary containment barrier systems are installed and operated in a manner to ensure their effectiveness. BSCs are installed so that fluctuations of the room air supply and exhaust do not interfere with proper operations. BSCs are located away from doors, windows that can be opened, heavily traveled laboratory areas, and other possible disruption of airflow. Consult with EHS for appropriate class and type of BSC.
  • Fume hood shall be installed if the laboratory is planning to work with hazardous chemicals (flammables, corrosives, toxic, carcinogen, etc.). Newly installed fume hoods shall be initially tested to ANSI/ASHRAE 110 standards and certified annually. Chemical storage and ventilation should be available to segregate incompatibles.
    • Flammables and corrosives shall always be stored in designated cabinet of appropriate size to house all chemical stock.
    • Deluge showers shall be available.
  • Laboratory shall have adequate space for supplies of personal protective equipment.
  • A sign including the biohazard symbol and what infectious materials are present are posted at the laboratory entrances along with BSL level and requirements for entry.
  • The lab shall have adequate aisle space and clearly marked PPE and disinfectant locations.
  • Laboratory shall have the space to house supplies and laboratory equipment necessary for work. This includes refrigerators, incubators, centrifuges, microscopes, freezers, vacuum sources, and gas tanks.
    • CO2 and other gas tanks must have appropriate wall mounts installed.

NOTE:

Certain compressed gasses must have monitors and alarms installed. Consult with EHS when planning to install gas cylinders.