4V. BSL-3 Design and Operations: Lessons from the Trenches

4V. BSL-3 Design and Operations: Lessons from the Trenches is organized by American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) International.

Description:
Many academic institutions have built Biosafety Level 3 containment laboratories over the past 15 years, anticipating these facilities to be an instrument to attract researchers and stay on the cutting edge of science. Most of these labs have been successfully operated since construction while others have become dormant due to various factors ranging from poor initial design, construction issues, engineering flaws, lack of operational staff, lack of funding for the operation of the lab, and ongoing maintenance costs. When planning and designing these facilities, it is essential to consider the costs and other needs (e.g., staffing and procedures) associated with maintaining these facilities over the long term. This course will present lessons learned by the instructor from experiences related to the design, operation, and maintenance of a variety of high-containment laboratories (BSL-3, ABSL-3, etc.). Lab design parameters, utility requirements, maintenance and operation best practices, and tips and tricks will be shared with participants through lectures, small group discussions, and case studies.

Objectives:
• Restate the components and requirements for managing a BSL-3 facility
• Summarize the potential pitfalls and mistakes in lab design and operations
• Describe the best practices in preventative maintenance for BSL-3 facilities