The Challenge

Not only is the East Baltimore campus expansive, but there are numerous specialized high-containment laboratories. Each requires specific expertise to inspect and maintain the facilities for continuous safe operations. Among the types of research laboratories at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions are BSL-3, ABSL-3, Vivaria, and ACL-3 (Insectary).

The Solution

In our recommendations to Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, encompassing the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, we emphasized the importance of annual safety compliance verification for their high-containment laboratories. This approach involves a yearly physical inspection of the facilities to identify safety hazards and areas of non-compliance. We also advocated for the annual testing of HVAC and exhaust systems.

To ensure a robust safety infrastructure, spatial pressure relationships and airflow should be measured and recorded, with a meticulous identification of airflow patterns to verify containment. We also underscored the significance of risk analysis, encompassing the evaluation of administrative and engineering controls, effectiveness of security devices, and the proper functioning of all safety design features and systems.

The Result

Since 2012, we have played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and compliance of critical laboratories at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Our annual certification efforts have covered BSL-3, ABSL-3, Vivaria, and ACL-3 (Insectary) laboratories. Through rigorous assessments and thorough inspections, we have not only verified compliance but also fostered a culture of continuous safe operations in these crucial areas. The collaboration with Johns Hopkins reflects a shared commitment to excellence, ensuring that these vital laboratories meet and exceed the highest standards for biosafety and containment.