High-security laboratories, particularly BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs, implement several operational procedures to ensure safety: - Access Control: Strict protocols for entering and exiting the lab, often involving multiple layers of security checks. - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Researchers must wear specialized PPE, such as full-body suits with positive air pressure to prevent exposure. - HEPA Filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used to purify the air exiting the lab, preventing the release of pathogens. - Decontamination Procedures: Rigorous decontamination processes for equipment and waste to eliminate any potential pathogens before disposal or reuse. - Emergency Protocols: Comprehensive emergency response plans to handle accidental exposures or breaches.
