CDC Biosafety Guidelines

A comprehensive set of biosafety guidelines for work with human pathogens can be found in the Biosafety Level 2 section of the "CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories manual and the Guidelines for Biosafety Laboratory Competency, MMWR Supplement." (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6002a1.htm).

The full Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition is available at http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/index.htm.

In addition, CDC advises that laboratory managers:

• Ensure that persons working with infectious agents are aware of potential hazards; trained and proficient in the practices and techniques required for handling such agents safely; and are trained in biosafety practices. Advise lab workers to watch for symptoms of infection related to the agents in the lab, and to call their health care provider if they or a family member have any of the symptoms.
• Ensure that hand-washing sinks have soap and paper towels. Advise lab workers to wash hands frequently while working in and immediately after leaving the microbiology laboratory and follow proper hand washing practices. This is especially important to do before preparing food or baby bottles, before eating and before contact with young children.
• Do not allow lab coats to leave the microbiology laboratory, except to be cleaned. Advise lab workers to wear the lab coat or other protective uniform over personal clothing when working in a microbiology laboratory; remove it before leaving for non-laboratory areas (e.g., cafeteria, library, or administrative offices); and dispose of the protective clothing appropriately or deposit it for laundering.
• Do not allow food, drinks, or personal items such as car keys, cell phones, and mp3 players to be used while working in the laboratory or placed on laboratory work surfaces. Advise lab workers that these items could become contaminated if they are touched while working or if placed on work surfaces.
• Place dedicated writing utensils, paper, and other supplies at each laboratory station. These items should not be allowed to leave the laboratory. Advise lab workers to not take pens, notebooks, and other items used inside of the microbiology laboratory into their homes.