Specialty Areas of Biological Safety

Biological Risk Assessment

Animal Biological Safety

Decontamination and Disinfection

Toxins of Biological Origin

Large Scale Biosafety

Sustainability

• While safety remains of utmost importance in design and/or operation of a laboratory, minimizing waste and safeguarding long-term human health through protection of the environment is a high priority. 
• Laboratories consume more resources and energy per square foot than other commercial buildings. Factors influencing laboratory energy consumption include:
  • Continuous operation,
  • Ventilation needs at exhaust devices,
  • Energy-intensive and heat-generating equipment, and
  • Use of water for steam sterilization and other processes.

Transportation of Infectious Materials

• International and domestic transport regulations for infectious substances are designed to prevent the release of these materials in transit and to protect the public, workers, property, and the environment from the harmful effects that may occur from exposure to these materials.  Protection is achieved through packaging requirements and multiple types of hazard communication.
• Domestic and international transfer of some biological agents may require permits and government approval prior to shipping.