Test Academic & Research Labs

What if you lost funding for all of your biological research programs? Could your organization survive?

A report from the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services revealed that a whopping 73% of academic containment laboratories have weaknesses related to biosafety and biosecurity.

There was a 1,500% increase in the number of laboratory incidents between 2004 and 2010. Odds are if it hasn’t happened to you, it WILL.

Your reputation is your most valuable asset, once lost it’s nearly impossible to regain.

An academic institution’s status not only attracts cutting-edge research programs, teaching talent and eager students—it also elicits funding.

In a University setting few areas pose as much risk for disaster as BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories. While these labs are fraught with risks, the high containment BSL-3 laboratories may arguably present fewer dangers than the BSL-2 laboratories. Do you know why?

BSL-2 labs consist of hazardous equipment and chemicals requiring focused attention, yet inexperienced guests are frequently onsite— visitors who are ignorant of the hazards present. Their presence alone compounds safety risks by interrupting the focus and concentration of your scientists and laboratory staff.

Many academic organizations delegate the responsibility of biosafety to the Campus Safety Officer, or a similar individual who has no formal education or specialized training in biological safety.

Some research campuses subordinate safety oversight to the office of campus security. Unless those security officers are appropriately educated and credentialed in safety, this is not advisable. After all, security and safety are different and security personnel aren’t usually trained or credentialed in laboratory risk management.

High containment labs (BSL-3) possess specialized safety, design and engineering components. These unique buildings or sections of a building typically require redundant power and ventilation filtration systems. Even waste disposal frequently involves complicated processes. Does your lab currently employ a Biosafety Officer who has credentialed knowledge of these specialized requirements?