Overview
Laboratories intending to perform work at Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) must ensure that the laboratory space is evaluated and meets institutional biosafety requirements. Depending on the materials and activities, additional review (such as Institutional Biosafety Committee approval) may also be required.
This page outlines how to request and complete a BSL-2 laboratory upgrade.
Process Summary
Request – Site Visit – Corrective Actions – Verification – BSL-2 Designation
This process applies to laboratory space designation and may occur in parallel with other required approval processes.
Step 1: Submit Request
The Principal Investigator (PI) contacts the Biosafety Office to request a BSL-2 evaluation. Provide lab location(s) and a description of planned work (agents, materials, and procedures).
Step 2: Biosafety Assessment (Site Visit)
A Biosafety Officer conducts an assessment of the laboratory space based on the planned work, associated hazards, and facility capabilities.
Following the visit, EHS provides a BSL-2 upgrade checklist or corrective action list. This may include facility improvements, equipment needs, training requirements, and administrative controls such as SOPs and signage.
Step 3: Complete Required Upgrades
The PI and laboratory personnel complete the identified corrective actions. This may include installing or certifying a biosafety cabinet if needed, developing SOPs, completing required training, and implementing appropriate signage or access controls.
Step 4: Verification
Once corrective actions are complete, the PI notifies the Biosafety Office. A follow-up verification is conducted.
If requirements are met, the laboratory space is approved for BSL-2 designation. If not, additional actions are identified.
Step 5: BSL-2 Designation and Documentation
After verification, EHS updates the laboratory designation in SciShield and coordinates BSL-2 signage.
Important Notes
BSL-2 designation applies to the laboratory space and indicates that the facility meets required containment expectations.
IBC approval is required for work that falls under applicable oversight requirements. Not all BSL-2 work requires IBC review.
Work with biological materials must not begin until all required institutional approvals are in place, as applicable to the materials and activities.
Changes in research scope, materials, or procedures may require re-evaluation of the space or additional review.
Additional Resources
- Biological Safety Levels Guide
- Biological Response Guide
-
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
- SOP Template Library
Contact
Environmental Health and Safety Biosafety Program
[email protected]