Only persons whose presence in the facility or individual laboratory rooms is required for program or support purposes are authorized to enter. Persons who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed may be at risk of acquiring infections. Therefore, persons who may be at increased risk of acquiring infection or for whom infection may be unusually hazardous, such as children or pregnant women, are not allowed in the laboratory or animal rooms. The supervisor has the final responsibility for assessing each circumstance and determining who may enter or work in the laboratory. Before entering, persons are advised of the potential biohazards and instructed as to appropriate safeguards for insuring their safety.
Authorized persons comply with the instructions and all other applicable entry and exit procedures.
A logbook, signed by all personnel, indicates the date and time of each entry and exit. Practical and effective protocols for emergency situations are established. When infectious materials or infected animals are present in the laboratory or animal rooms, hazard warning signs, incorporating the universal biohazard symbol, are posted on all access doors. The laboratory director is responsible for insuring that, before working with organisms at Biosafety Level 4, all personnel demonstrate a high proficiency in standard microbiological practices and techniques, and in the special practices and operations specific to the laboratory facility. This might include prior experience in handling human pathogens or cell cultures, or a specific training program provided by the laboratory director or other competent scientist proficient in these unique safe microbiological practices and techniques.