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Working in or upgrading a lab animal facility to BSL-3 or 4 has increased over the past few years. Practical advice on the issues and operations for these types of facilities can help your facility prepare for the future and make the transition smoother.
Biocontainment environments encompass a number of engineering, design, safety, equipment, and ventilation considerations. “The rapid growth in funding for research and vaccine development for infectious diseases and pathogens is causing academic, government, and private research institutions to look for new biocontainment facility and equipment solutions. For some institutions, the solution to the growing demand for biocontainment facilities is space conversion or upgrade, an undertaking further impacted by existing building systems.”(1)
It’s important to stay informed on developments for building, equipping, and operating a biocontainment facility. Some of the considerations are listed here.
Design and Equipment Considerations for BSL-3 and BSL-4 Facilities
The dramatic growth in the development of new biomedical research facilities to meet the increasing demand for select agent research has forced experienced professionals from government agencies, universities, industry, design firms, commissioning firms, and contractors to work more efficiently to bring facilities on line to meet the unique needs of this research. Some of the issues include guidelines and standards pertinent to the design and construction of BSL-3 and BSL-4 animal research facilities, design and equipment considerations unique to these facilities, and special considerations for building systems necessary to support this research and equipment.
Barrier Facilities – Design Features Versus Actual Performance
Barrier facilities, such as specific-pathogen-free (SPF) facilities, are also becoming increasingly common in animal research. Though many factors must be considered during the planning and design process, once a building is constructed, it is uncommon for the design team to gain feedback regarding the actual performance of the features that were incorporated into the design. The future of biocontainment design can be aided by taking a look at design features and their real world suitability and performance.
Meeting Scientist Demands
Transforming a traditional late 20th century centralized laboratory animal facility into a facility designed for the future must meet the present and future needs of the researchers/scientists. The process may include retrofitting for BSL biocontainment, isolators, and IVC options; solving capacity problems; meeting demands for housing mice and other species; establishment of core facilities; using outsourcing; retrofitting and new constructions for rodent quarantine and SPF; and financial analyses in the decisions for choosing conventional IVC, disposable IVC, or open cages in various sections.
BSL–3Ag Facilities
Ag facilities have unique needs in relation to biocontainment. The design and construction details can require to integrated pass-through bulk autoclaves and their associated bioseals into the facility construction; decontamination of BSL-3, 3E, and 3Ag spaces; a BSL-3Ag “containment box” with airtight penetrations for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems; as well as an effluent decontamination system.
Preparing Biocontainment Facilities for Certification
The number of BSL-3 laboratories preparing for certification is on the rise, yet the certification process doesn’t seem to be getting any easier. There are many important elements and processes that need to be considered during project planning and execution to minimize the burden associated with certification with CDC, USDA, or other organizations. The list of items that should be addressed include documentation, notifications, inspections, and commissioning.
Are you able to participate in the process if your facility is faced with these changes? The need for biocontainment training and the knowledge necessary to be part of the growth of the industry will be useful to you and your facility.
http://www.turnkeyconference.com/about_the_conference.asp
1. M. Sidelsky. Laboratory Biosafety in Rodent Biocontainment. ALN Magazine, March 2007.
http://www.alnmag.com/articles.asp?pid=231
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