Building a biocontainment laboratory—whether BSL-3, ABSL-3 or ACL-3, is a highly specialized process that requires careful planning and coordination. When design decisions are made without early input from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), critical issues often surface late in the project, leading to costly changes and delays. Below are examples of common challenges identified during design […]
Read More… from Design Pitfalls in Biocontainment Laboratories: Lessons from Real Projects
Leadership in the biosafety and biosecurity community is more than a title—it’s a commitment to mentoring, collaboration, and advancing the profession. Each year, ABSA International honors an individual who exemplify these values through the Diane Fleming Leadership Award. In 2025, that honor goes to World BioHazTec’s President: Kerstin Haskell. Why Kerstin? Kerstin embodies the spirit […]
When planning or operating a biocontainment laboratory, two cornerstone documents are frequently referenced: the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) and the NIH Design Requirements Manual (NIH DRM). While often mentioned together, they serve distinct purposes. The BMBL defines the intent and biosafety principles, while the NIH DRM translates that intent into specific design […]
Read More… from The BMBL vs. the NIH DRM: Intent Meets Design
