Research at the Biotechnology Development Center at Emory West Safety, both for employees and the environment, is the driving factor in the design of laboratories at Emory. The safety precautions and research guidelines and regulations that Emory follows assure a safe, clean environment and protects lab workers and surrounding neighbors. As of late summer 1999, there are no existing contracts with biotic firms to locate their start-up companies at the Biotechnology Development Center at Emory West. However, all work done in Emory labs follows the extensive guidelines contained in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories" manual. These guidelines, which pertain to biological research, describe "Biosafety Levels (BSL)" for labs which consist of laboratory practices and techniques, safety equipment and laboratory facilities to protect the lab workers and the environment. The levels run from BSL1 to BSL4 (see attached charts). BSL1 labs are designed for research activities with microorganisms not known to cause disease in healthy adults. For example, a high school biology lab may qualify as a BSL1. No special equipment or containment measures are needed, other than a sink for handwashing. BSL2 labs are designed for research activities that are associated with human disease. Your doctor's or dentist's office and the local hospital may have facilities rated BSL2. Workers are protected by lab coats, gloves and respiratory protection as needed; Biosafety cabinets (hooded workspaces that have controlled, directed airflow) may or may not be required. An autoclave to decontaminate waste may or may not be used. It is anticipated that biotic firms at Emory West will be working in BSL1 or BSL2 labs. BSL3 labs are designed for research in which there is a potential for respiratory transmission and where serious and potentially lethal infection may occur. No labs at this level are planned for the biotechnology development center at Emory West. Emory currently operates BSL1, BSL2 labs and four BSL3 labs on its main campus; the only BSL4 lab in the area is at the CDC, which is a lab where research is conducted on dangerous and life-threatening diseases. Return to Emory West Master Plan Return to Campus Growth and Development

Find Events Find People Find Jobs Find Sites Find Help Index

Copyright © Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322
For more information contact: TheWeb@emory.edu
Last Update - January 2, 2000