BSL3 facility certification

BSL3 facility certification is a process where a laboratory is independently assessed and certified against criteria derived from the World Health Organisation Biosafety Manual. The approach also reflects internationally recognised certification principles and incorporates requirements contained within DNV's own Biorisk Assessment Protocol, which has been successfully used in organisations managing high containment laboratories at BSL3 and BSL4 levels.

Purpose

Independent certification enables an organisation to publicly demonstrate due diligence in managing biorisk. It also provides assurance of the integrity of the facility and equipment, together with the effective application of an organisation's safety management system.

The ultimate objective of the certification is to confirm that the facility is capable of operating in a safe, reliable, and secure manner as a BSL3 laboratory.

Benefits

Achieving BSL3 laboratory certification demonstrates adherence to good practices, and provides an organisation with an opportunity to motivate employees and management in enhancing their commitment towards biosafety and biosecurity.

Effective application of the biorisk management process in planning, implementing and monitoring has a substantial positive effect upon general organisational safety and health management within the organisation. It also enhances continual improvement and contributes positively towards protecting workers, the wider community and the environment.

The BSL3 laboratory certification approach supports organisations in ensuring that:
• An appropriate facility has been designed, constructed, equipped and maintained for work at BSL3 level
• The necessary management structures and systems are in place to ensure hazards, legal responsibilities and risks are identified, assessed and managed
• The facility is being operated by trained people with the necessary resources to ensure the level of biorisk is maintained within tolerable levels.

Features

BSL3 laboratory certification would be conducted annually and prior to the issue of a certificate we verify:
• Containment barrier integrity
• Suitable directional air flow
• Effective decontamination of:

- People/clothing
- Equipment
- Air
- Waste (liquid, solid, cultures etc.)

• Operational reliability and effectiveness during both normal working conditions and scheduled shutdowns; and in the event of a failure or emergency
• Capability of being effectively maintained during planned and breakdown maintenance situations
• Effective management and staffing with competent personnel working within an appropriate management system.

With BSL3 facility certification, the approach we take addresses the physical and engineering integrity of the facility.

Lab requirement (figure)