Twenty Considerations for a Successful BSL-3/ABSL-3 Laboratory Design
February 28, 2023
The pathway to a successful Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) laboratory project lies in the approach and attention to detail during the design process. The following are twenty suggestions for achieving a research program-driven design:
1. Team approach: Completing a BSL-3/ABSL-3 project is a team effort. It involves the creativity of the designer, the forthcoming of the users, the wisdom of the regulator, the ingenuity of the contractor, the experience of the BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory certifier, and the restraint of the financier. Developing a design that meets the needs of the research program and then following that plan is a team effort. The team needs to include the Principal Investigator and Biosafety Officer who focus the team on the intended use of the laboratory now, tomorrow, and in the future. The team needs to be aware of the project budget and operating maintenance costs associated with each major design decision. The financier not only needs to be vigilant about projected construction costs but needs to be cognizant of the impact of design decisions on operating costs. Time spent in planning and analysis is money saved in design and construction. Projecting operating and maintenance costs provides for a sustainable design.
2. Checklists: Developing checklists for compliance with applicable guidelines and regulatory requirements, facility standards, biosafety policies and practices, and equipment preferences will identify issues that the designer needs to address. These are tools for ensuring that the design will meet the needs and concerns of the users, stakeholders, regulators, and certifiers. If you have received grants, make sure that your BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory is compliant with these guidelines and regulatory requirements
as well. The following are key US guidelines and regulations to consider:
- Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) CDC/NIH publication, 6th Edition – November 2020
- Design Requirements Manual, Division of Technical Resources, The National Institutes of Health, Revised Version 812A 2012, 200
- ANSI/ASSP Z9.14-2020, Testing and Performance-Verification Methodologies for Ventilation Systems For Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) And Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3)
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) – April 2019
- CDC/USDA Select Agent Policy Statements
3. Pathways drawings: Architectural drawings should show the pathways for personnel, materials, and waste. They should also include emergency exit pathways and gathering points. This analysis will unearth inefficiencies and bottlenecks which can be resolved as part of the design process.
4. Decontamination provisions: Typically, laboratories are surface-decontaminated. Gaseous/vapor decontamination is infrequently utilized. Defining when and how often a laboratory will need gaseous/vapor decontamination is necessary to determine if there is a need to purchase decontamination equipment or if contract services will defray this type of capital investment. A decision to own decontamination equipment is not only a capital investment decision, but it is also an operational decision which requires funds for annual training and validation of the decontamination system. The users need to decide the method of decontamination so the designer can develop provisions in the design.
5. Adequate storage space: Provisions for storage in the anteroom should include space for PPE storage and maintenance (charging of power packs), waste containers, sign-in books, storage/securing of personal items, toweling, hand-washing soap, cleaning materials, and hanging of lab coats where applicable. Space for storage of the autoclave cart needs to be provided. Laboratory storage should be limited to what is needed for the research program. Shelving should be fixed or be the friction-lock adjustable shelving type. Adjustable shelving with hole-type adjustments are pest management and decontamination issues. Cardboard should not be stored in the laboratory, therefore provisions for plastic containers should be considered for storing loose items.
6. Cleanability of surfaces: Ceilings, walls, and floors need to be smooth and cleanable. Design details need to address how surfaces mate together, how they are sealed and finished, specify type of caulk, its color (for maintenance and inspection), and shrinkage requirements. Performance standards for acceptability of caulked joints need to be defined. Surfaces need to be selected for their resistance to chemicals, organic solvents, acids, alkalis, and most importantly, to surface decontamination disinfectants and gas/vapor decontamination processes.
7. Casework: Surface decontamination is the primary method by which most labs are decontaminated. Selecting wall-hung counters and moveable casework to facilitate cleaning should be considered.
8. Doors and frames: Doors need to be self-closing. Doors for change rooms need to provide privacy. Laboratory doors need to have vision panels so one can see if anyone is on the other side of the door. Door frames need to be rigid so the airflow around the door remains constant with door usage. Hardware needs to be filed so there are no sharp edges which can cut a person and/or their PPE on entry into the laboratory.
9. Penetrations: Sealing of penetrations is important from energy consumption, air pressure differential, HEPA filtration, pest management, and decontamination perspectives. The design must provide details for sealing penetrations and performance standards for acceptability of sealing work. Sprinklers often present a challenge if they are not pendant type.
10. Room airflow distribution: Placement of diffusers and exhaust grilles can affect the airflow of the biosafety cabinet and can cause indoor air quality issues. A reflected ceiling plan must take into account the location of the biosafety cabinet and sedentary work stations in relationship to placement of diffusers. The engineer should work closely with the architect in coordinating these locations and selecting the supply airflow terminal devices. Diffusers, exhaust grilles, and exhaust inlets of caging are penetrations in the ceiling and need to be sealed. These details need to be provided in the reflected ceiling plan and in drawing details.
11. Directional airflow: Directional airflow must be designed so that under any laboratory condition the air does not reverse. A drawing should be developed which shows the pressure differentials at each door. The designed airflow balance needs to create directional airflow measured by pressure differentials at each containment barrier door. The design of the laboratory needs to take into consideration building effects from elevators, stack effects, adjoining independent HVAC/exhaust systems, and loading docks. In an HVAC/exhaust system failure scenario, building effects can reverse the airflow in containment if not addressed in the design process. Deep negative conditions can be programmed out using the Building Automation System (BAS).
12. HEPA filtration: If the program or regulations require exhaust HEPA filtration then consideration needs to be given to either central or local HEPA filtration. Local HEPA filtration is either at the exhaust intake or in the branch duct from the exhaust intake at the room level. The issues with room level HEPA exhaust are decontamination and testing of the HEPA filter costs. With local HEPA filtration, the issue is the number of units that need to be tested annually. This cost needs to be evaluated against the cost of decontamination and testing of a central HEPA filtration unit.
13. Redundancy: Unless there is a Class III cabinet being used for aerosol experiments, two redundant exhaust fans is all that is necessary for a BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory. These fans perform best during failure scenarios if they are operated together at reduced speed. Redundant air handling units are typically reserved for containment laboratory facilities housing animals. Air pressure differential gages at the entry to the anteroom and at the entry to the laboratory provide laboratory personnel the assurance that the laboratory is working properly. Redundant HEPA filtration units are only necessary if an animal laboratory needs to operate continuously. Laboratories can be tested and inspected while in operation, therefore not requiring an annual shutdown.
14. Maintenance provisions: Space for maintenance of equipment, removal/replacement of components, and decontamination of system components need to be provided as design details. Control exhaust valves are of particular concern and their placement is a decontamination/maintenance issue if they are upstream of the HEPA filter.
15. Sinks: In order to prevent aerosols generated by the water impacting the sink bottom, the designer needs to consider specifying deep well sinks in combination with controlling water pressure. Selection of hands-free devices for faucet operation (elongated wall attached foot pedals, infrared sensor, rod-operated valve, knee valve, or floor pedal) should be based on maintenance requirements as well as the experience of the facility’s maintenance personnel. Regardless of the designer’s choice, the faucet should not have handles of any type which personnel could touch. If a hose bib is attached to the faucet, it should have a hose attached which does not extend below the sink’s rim if not protected by a backflow preventer. Backflow preventers are usually required on laboratory faucets and are recommended provided that they will be maintained.
16. Gas cylinders: Gases should be piped into the laboratory as part of the design. Piping penetrations should be sealed around the pipe. Escutcheon plates are not recommended. Provisions for bottled gases should be made outside the laboratory so bottles can be changed from outside of containment.
17. Lighting and sound levels: Proper lighting levels are necessary for performing tasks, data entry, and cleaning. Energy-efficient lighting technology should be the basis of the lighting design. Light-emitting diode (LED) is today's most energy-efficient lighting system. A lighting consultant can select the proper color temperature and light fixture photometric data to achieve the needed light levels for the tasks to be performed throughout the space. Lighting levels need to be evaluated for security camera selection. Glare on biosafety cabinets needs to be minimized. Provisions for emergency lighting for securing research materials and safe egress are required. Alarm strobing lights in animal facilities need to consider their placement and effect on animal research. Limitations on noise should be part of the design criteria. The noise criteria levels specified by the designer should account for ventilation noise, and owner-specified equipment noise such as biosafety cabinets, freezers, and centrifuges.
18. Communications and security: Design of wiring for communication and security devices needs to have the same detail as for electrical wiring devices. Penetrations need to be sealed and devices caulked to be smooth and cleanable. Provisions for computer stations that are ergonomically designed and placed in close proximity to the data generation point is a time-saving design element. Another consideration is the placement of the computer’s fan so it doesn’t cause a disturbance to the biosafety cabinet. Also, the cords for the computer, monitor, keyboard, and other peripherals need to be harnessed so they are not draped on the floor and can be easily cleaned. The design must address the biosafety vulnerabilities of the facility. A multi-disciplinary approach (biosafety professional, security professional, facilities director, human resources representative, and an executive management representative) should view security from a holistic perspective.
19. Circuit breakers: Electrical panels should be located outside of containment so maintenance personnel do not need to enter containment. Additionally, the receptacles within containment need to be marked with breaker identification so in the event of a tripped breaker the researcher can direct the maintenance personnel from within containment to which breaker needs resetting.
20. Emergency power: Choices for emergency power systems are usually left to the designer. The users need to provide direction as to their emergency power needs, either total or partial emergency power. Consideration should be given to a dedicated emergency generator for the laboratory rather than utilizing the building emergency generator for reliability reasons. Reliability rules when specifying the automatic transfer switch. With emergency power you can, on larger campuses, have redundancy but a transfer switch is a single failure point. Regardless of these choices, the equipment serving the room-level equipment including HVAC control components may need uninterruptible power supplies. A holistic approach is recommended for selection of an emergency power system that also accounts for shutting down or not shutting down the entire building to test the containment laboratory within the building. Testing disruptions cannot be tolerated in some instances because of other 24/7 critical functions which cannot not be interrupted.
In analyzing the final design, emphasis needs to be placed on the details. Constant referral to the research program requirements, containment guidelines, lessons learned, project construction and operating budgets, and the completeness of the design documents are essential to a successful design that meets the users and the stakeholders’ needs and provides sustainability. Efforts spent in design by an integrated team of users, professionals, and stakeholders will culminate in a safe, sustainable, and secure research facility.
Are you planning to build or renovate a BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory? No matter what project phase you are in, contact World BioHazTec (WBHT) to schedule a free 30-minute consultation or send us an email. You are a conversation away from starting down a successful pathway to meet containment compliance and sustainability!
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Outsourcing Training for Work in Critical Environments
When managing a high-containment facility, such as a BSL-3 lab, safety is paramount. Training staff to handle biological hazards properly and operate within stringent protocols can literally be a matter of life and death. A critical question many organizations face is whether to develop training programs in-house or outsource this training to a specialized provider. We’ll explore barriers to in-house development and delivery of quality training and why outsourcing your training for high-consequence workplaces could be the best option for your organization. What are your barriers to faster learning design and development? A recent survey conducted by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), which has supported instructional developers of employee training programs worldwide for over 80 years, identified eight top barriers to faster learning design and development.[1] The top three barriers are: Adapted from DeFelice, R. 2021. ATD Blog. Rounding out the top eight barriers include lack of availability of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) or stakeholders at 37%. In our experience, SMEs and stakeholders have many hats they wear, and their time is limited. Often, SMEs are outside of the organization and pose an additional expense to the development of in-house training, initially and annual updates to the curriculum. World BioHazTec uses the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) approach to instructional design. SAM is a three-phase process: Preparation Phase, Iterative Design Phase, and Iterative Development Phase.[2] SMEs and stakeholders are brought in at the initial outlining phase and then only as needed for review. Because this is an iterative process, by the time the final phase is reached, SMEs and stakeholders have agreed to the plans and there should be very few revisions, or scope creep, to the design and plans. This saves time for these busy professionals and reduces costs by managing time and scope. Limited learning infrastructure—such as access to dedicated systems, authoring tools, and networks—accounts for 35% of the barriers. Authoring tools and resources, such as licensed images, add to the expense. Additionally, online self-paced (asynchronous) learning modules require authoring tools to create interactive content with feedback, as well as a learning management system to deliver the modules effectively. The final three barriers are a lack of learning and development skills within the talent development team (25%), lack of accountability (when the talent development team or SMEs do not fulfill responsibilities or meet deadlines) (23%), and insufficient leadership or management support (19%). These barriers indicate that staff are often occupied with other duties, with training development frequently becoming a lower priority. How much extra time does your staff have? Developing in-house training programs takes time—far more than many organizations realize. According to ATD in its most recent survey, creating one hour of new classroom training can take anywhere from 112 to 367 hours to develop.[3] That means developing just a half-day session could consume weeks of work by several employees. Time that could be better spent on other critical functions of your lab. Also, think of the breadth of knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain a high-containment laboratory, both for inside and outside, from construction to cybersecurity, from environmental protection to personal safety. Biosafety professionals not only require training in performing their jobs safely, they are also involved in risk assessments and compliance with applicable regulations daily, and appropriate emergency response. Frequently, the biosafety professional is called upon to participate in the planning, design, and validation of a new biocontainment laboratory or renovation of an existing facility. “Biosafety professionals should have a foundation in all aspects of working in and around a high-containment laboratory and develop skills to ask questions in specific terms and have the confidence to question the answers.” -World BioHazTec Course Development Guide. [Internal Communication] Developing meaningful, high-quality training that addresses all necessary components typically requires more SMEs and stakeholders than a single facility may have available for training development. Outsourcing training development strengthens course quality by bringing together SMEs with various expertise for only the time that is necessary under the management of a proven training development team. Also, the development team can use resources already developed to tailor to the specific needs of your facility and staff, which saves time and resources. If you’re thinking of transitioning your existing training into an online format, the time investment can be even greater. Converting a course into effective web-based training requires expertise in instructional design, an investment in e-learning tools, an understanding of e-learning platforms, and the ability to ensure that virtual training still delivers the same level of engagement and effectiveness as in-person sessions. Just as with any training, online training and learning management systems must be monitored regularly and reports generated to stakeholders. Outsourcing this process to specialists not only saves your team countless hours but also ensures the training is designed by professionals with experience in biosafety, biosecurity, and online learning. A Fresh Perspective and Unbiased Assessment One of the key benefits of outsourcing your BSL-3 training is gaining access to an external team of experts who can offer a fresh perspective. When organizations develop their own training programs, there’s often a risk of becoming too close to the material, potentially missing gaps or risks that an SME might spot, offering a fresh perspective. An external provider can objectively assess your current protocols, highlight potential areas for improvement, and suggest best practices based on up-to-date industry standards. “Things change quickly …, so job responsibilities must evolve. If companies evolve their strategy and expect employees to expand their skill sets, offering a team continuous learning will help prevent them from falling behind.” [2] In high-stakes environments like BSL-3 labs, where even minor oversights can have serious consequences, having an unbiased third-party review can add an additional layer of safety. Expert consultants are experienced in tailoring their training programs to meet both your specific operational needs and strict regulatory requirements, ensuring your staff is fully equipped to handle emergencies and day-to-day challenges. CEUs and Professional Development Incentives Professional development is also a tool for employee retention. “About 80 percent of employees rank professional development and continuous learning as high priorities when job hunting. And 94 percent of employees say if an employer invested more in learning and development, they would stay longer at an organization.” [3] Another significant advantage of outsourcing BSL-3 training is the ability to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). If your training provider is accredited, they can award CEUs to participants which can be used to maintain certification with professional organizations. This ensures your team remains compliant with the latest industry developments and ongoing certification requirements. It also provides an added incentive for staff to engage in the training. CEUs enhance the perceived value of the training, as they provide tangible career benefits to employees. By outsourcing, you can integrate this offering into your program without the burden of navigating the lengthy accreditation process yourself. Outsourcing Offers Expertise, Efficiency, and Compliance The decision to outsource BSL-3 training boils down to efficiency and safety. By partnering with an experienced external provider, you’re investing in expert insights, saving substantial time, and ensuring your team has access to accredited, top-tier training. Not only does this free up your internal resources, but it also offers peace of mind knowing your staff is receiving the most current and comprehensive training available. So, should you outsource your BSL-3 training? For most organizations, the answer is a resounding yes. World BioHazTec provides extensive professional development training. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our customized training offerings. [1] DeFelice, R. 2021. ATD Blog. Retrieved from https://www.td.org/content/atd-blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-develop-training-new-question-new-answers [2] Allen, M. (2012). Leaving ADDIE for SAM – An agile model for developing the best learning experiences. Washington DC: American Society for Training and Development. [3] Based on survey average module length of 23 minutes, the variance was 43 to 141 hours with an average of 67 hours. These results were used to calculate times to develop a one-hour module. [4] Rozensweig, F. 2022. Retrieved from https://www.td.org/atd-blog/shift-from-onboarding-to-everboarding. [5] Rosenzweig, F. 2022. ATD blog. Retrieved from https://www.td.org/content/atd-blog/shift-from-onboarding-to-everboarding
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Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) incidents are rare, yet their repercussions are monumental. Operating at BSL-3 demands meticulous protocols and unwavering risk mitigation. While rare, any lapses can have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences. In this article, we explore the significance of BSL-3 certification. Even though it may not be mandatory in your country, it proves to be a vital strategic move. 1. Professional Accountability In a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility, professional accountability emerges as the first compelling intention. Activities in a BSL-3 facility include the propagation of high-risk pathogens and long-term storage. This entails a profound responsibility. Researchers operating within BSL-3 facilities are accountable for ensuring not only their safety but also the safety of their colleagues, the community, and the environment. Certification acts as a tangible manifestation of this commitment, demonstrating to stakeholders and regulatory bodies that the organization embraces the gravity of their work. Beyond biosafety, BSL-3 certification also underscores the importance of stringent biosecurity measures, ensuring the safeguarding of these pathogens against unauthorized access and potential misuse. By obtaining BSL-3 certification, operators signal their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of both biosafety and biosecurity, fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability within the facility and beyond. 2. Public Health Preparedness Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities play an indispensable role in public health preparedness. When a pandemic strikes, BSL-3 facilities stand at the forefront of the fight, equipped with the expertise and infrastructure necessary to handle and analyze high-risk pathogens. These facilities serve as vital hubs for research, diagnostics, and the development of therapeutic interventions. BSL-3 certification, in this context, becomes a strategic asset, signifying a commitment to being at the forefront of global health emergencies. It positions the facility to swiftly and effectively respond to emerging threats, contributing significantly to public health resilience and preparedness on a global scale. When the real test of a pandemic arrives, a certified BSL-3 laboratory signifies a prepared laboratory, with competent professionals adeptly executing their roles, ensuring a prompt and effective response to safeguard public health. 3. Creating a Safe and Secure Culture In a certified BSL-3 facility, a dedicated commitment to establishing a culture of biosafety and biosecurity is evident. This certification stands as a tangible testament to the management’s unwavering dedication to continuously enhancing biosafety and biosecurity measures. It mirrors a proactive approach towards nurturing a workplace culture that places the well-being of its staff and the integrity of its operations at the forefront. The certification process mandates rigorous adherence to standards, promoting continuous training and evaluation. This level of commitment resonates with the laboratory personnel, instilling confidence that their management is wholeheartedly invested in cultivating an environment where biosafety and biosecurity take precedence. 4. Safety Equals Quality A certified BSL-3 facility not only prioritizes safety and security but also indirectly contributes to the overall quality of results. Taking reference from the World Health Organization’s Handbook on Laboratory Quality Management System, laboratory safety is a cornerstone for establishing robust laboratory practices. By fostering a culture of strict adherence to biosafety protocols, certified BSL-3 facilities systematically integrate quality management principles into their daily operations. This meticulous approach not only safeguards the well-being of personnel but also ensures the integrity of laboratory processes. As safety practices become ingrained in the laboratory’s ethos following international quality management principles, the probability of errors and contamination diminishes, leading to consistently high-quality research outcomes. In essence, the commitment to safety in a certified BSL-3 facility reinforces the crucial connection between safety practices and the reliability of scientific results. 5. International Collaboration Opportunities A certified BSL-3 facility, known for its adherence to rigorous safety and security standards, builds credibility and trust within the scientific community. Collaborators and funding agencies, especially those from different countries, are more likely to engage with a facility that is recognized for its commitment to maintaining high-quality, safe, and secure research environments. BSL-3 facilities that demonstrate adherence to internationally recognized certification standards also make themselves attractive partners for collaborations assuring that research will be conducted in a secure environment, minimizing the likelihood of accidents or incidents. Conclusion In the pursuit of scientific excellence, BSL-3 certification emerges not merely as a commitment to safety but as a strategic gateway to collaborative possibilities. A certified BSL-3 facility, fortified by rigorous safety and security standards, amplifies credibility within the scientific community and encourages collaboration on a global scale. Let World BioHazTec be your strategic partner in preparing your facility to meet our certification requirements, widely acknowledged as the gold standard in BSL-3 certification. Contact World BioHazTec (WBHT) to schedule a free 30-minute consultation or send us an email. You are a conversation away from starting down a successful pathway to meet BSL-3 facility compliance.
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At the beginning of the design process, there are many decisions that must be made regarding equipment, sinks, showers, biological safety cabinets (BSCs), and other primary barrier equipment, the configuration of the HVAC system, and contingencies based upon the facility design elements required by the agents that will be worked with or studied. Sustainability, maintainability, and energy usage must also be factored into the design. Organizational preferred operations must be included, and SOPs often dictate final designs. Spatial relationships need to be evaluated to determine flow and function. When animals are part of the laboratory work, additional design features are needed which add complexity to the design. 1. Design Standards, Guidelines, and Regulations for Animal Laboratories Paramount to safety is the understanding of the application and intent of biosafety and biocontainment guidelines. Biosafety design is based upon risk assessment. The design team should be accustomed to working with the Biosafety Officer, users, and stakeholders in formulating and documenting risk assessments when needed to support design decision-making. Determining your research goals or planned laboratory work, grant design requirements, and regulatory compliance will drive the design criteria. When designing an animal facility such as an ABSL-2 or ABSL-3 laboratory, beyond the compulsory local national and international guidance documents, you may want to also consider the following guidelines and standards: NIH Design Requirements Manual for Biocontainment Laboratories; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Research Service Guidelines, (as applicable); Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC); National Research Council Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals; National Research Council Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals; and National Research Council Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Nonhuman Primates. 2. Odor The management of odor from animal facilities, autoclaving, waste treatment, and tissue digesters is unique to containment facilities. Elevator shafts and loading docks serve as pathways for the distribution of odors. 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In addition to negatively affecting animals, this can also affect workers’ communication and awareness to their surroundings. 4. Space Requirements Caging design, rack sizes and types, and animal model are key factors in analyzing space requirements. Identifying the maximum number of types of animals to be housed according to biosafety level can maximize space utilization for the present and the future. This information bears heavily on the design approach to room space allocation, cage washing equipment, whether disposable caging is more economical, cage changing stations or BSCs, and watering system versus bottle caging. 5. Emergency Signaling Systems Placement of emergency signaling systems (e.g., fire alarm, HVAC failure alarm, room pressurization alarm, security alarm) is essential to alert personnel to act. Signaling systems must be accessible for lab personnel, biosafety officers, and emergency response personnel. Ever conscious of animals, the alarms cannot be strobing in holding facilities so as not to stress animals. Animal Laboratory Design Recommendations In analyzing the final design, emphasis needs to be placed on the details. Constant referral to the research program requirements, containment guidelines, lessons learned, project construction and operating budgets, and the completeness of the design documents are essential to a successful design that meets the users’ and the stakeholders’ needs and provides sustainability. Efforts spent in design by an integrated team of users, professionals, and stakeholders will culminate in a safe, sustainable, efficient, and secure research facility. Are you planning to build or renovate a BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory? No matter what project phase you are in, contact World BioHazTec (WBHT) to schedule a free 30-minute consultation or send us an email. We can prepare a feasibility study, develop conceptual designs with cost estimates, perform a site assessment, peer review design documents, commission/certify your animal facility, and train staff. You are a conversation away from starting down a successful pathway to meet containment compliance and sustainability.
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