BSL-2 laboratories are used to study moderate-risk infectious agents or toxins that pose a moderate danger if accidentally inhaled, swallowed, or exposed to the skin.
Design requirements for BSL-2 laboratories include hand washing sinks, eye washing stations, and doors that close and lock automatically..
The four biosafety levels are BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4, with BSL-4 being the highest (maximum) level of containment.
There are additional specific rules and designations for animal research (ABSL), agricultural research (BSL-Ag), and other types of research..
Biocontainment is a component of biorisk management.
The overall objective of biocontainment is to confine an infectious organism or toxin, thereby reducing the potential for exposure to laboratory workers or persons outside the laboratory, and the likelihood of accidental release to the environment..
In order to work with biological materials at the University of Toronto, Principal Investigators must have a Biosafety Permit approved by the University.
The required information must be typed on the application form..
Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that import, interstate movement, and export (in some cases) of biological materials are tightly regulated by various federal agencies and may require permits.
If you plan to apply for any of the following permits, please contact the Biosafety Office (974-1938 or 974-5547) prior to your application submission.
We can assist with form preparation and implementation of specific biocontainment procedures that may apply to your work.
Labs operating at biosafety level 3 and above:
