PI:

Lab Contact:
EH&S Biological Safety Room(s):

Biological Safety Level 2 (BSL-2) Inspection Checklist Inspected by:

References: Date:

UW Biosafety Manual Agents:

CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)
NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
Washington State Bloodborne Pathogen Regulations
Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Laboratory Practices

REQUIREMENT YES NO N/A NOTES

A BSL-2 Biohazard sign is posted on door listing agents, entry requirements, emergency contact
information and any occupational health requirements. The sign be can easily removed or turned over,
and it can be removed or turned over when agents are stored and surfaces are decontaminated.
Lab doors are kept closed during BSL-2 work and are closed and locked when unoccupied.
The Caution Sign for Hazards displays a biohazard symbol.
Exposure Response Poster is in lab; lab staff is aware of proper procedures.
Biohazard spill procedures are in place, posted in lab areas, and lab staff is trained.
The lab contains a sink for hand washing.
Personnel wash their hands after handling biohazardous materials or animals and before exiting the
laboratory. Hand soap and paper towels are available at the sink.
An eye wash is readily available (10 seconds/50ft, unobstructed) and flushed weekly with documentation.
A herpes B scrub kit is available for work with non-human primate source material.
Benchtops are impervious to water; lab furniture is sturdy. Chairs are covered with non-fabric
material; no rugs or carpets. The lab is designed so it can be easily cleaned; spaces between benches,
cabinets and equipment are accessible for cleaning.
Work areas are free from clutter and are cleaned regularly.
Lighting is adequate for all activities.
Lab adheres to UW hallway/corridor policy.
If a lab has windows that open, they are fitted with fly screens, or the lab has a policy not to open
windows.
No food or drinks consumed or stored in the lab. Smoking, chewing gum, handling contacts, applying
cosmetics is not allowed in lab.

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REQUIREMENT YES NO N/A NOTES
Plants or animals that are not associated with research are not present in the lab.
Personnel wear clothing that covers the skin on legs (long pants or skirts) and closed-toe shoes. Long hair
is tied back so that it cannot contact hands, specimens, containers or equipment.
Appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) is readily available and worn when handling
biohazards. Standard PPE for BSL-2 work includes lab coats, gloves and safety glasses. Face shields
and masks may be required. Lab coats are laundered regularly and when contaminated. No PPE is
worn in the halls.
Work surfaces are decontaminated with a suitable disinfectant once a day and following work and after
any spill of viable material.
Liquid biohazardous waste is appropriately decontaminated prior to disposal.
If used with biohazards, vacuum lines are protected with liquid disinfectant traps and in-line HEPA
filters. Glass flasks are kept in secondary containment if on the floor. Aspirator flasks or bottles
containing liquids are labeled as “biohazard waste.”
Policies for the safe handling and disposal of sharps are in place.
Solid biohazardous waste is packaged in appropriate biohazard bags and waste bins.
Biohazardous lab glass and plastic is packaged to prevent punctures.
Waste is appropriately managed and safely stored in the lab.
Solid biohazardous waste and sharps waste are autoclaved prior to disposal.
Biohazardous waste is transported to an autoclave cost center for decontamination.
Biohazardous waste is shipped off-site for decontamination. If so, are the following in place:
• Triple packaging
• Correct liner bag and shipping labels
• Sharps packaged separately
• Shipping RMW SOP in place
• Shipping RMW training current
Potentially infectious material is transported in a leak-proof secondary container.
Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) are certified and appropriately located in laboratory.
Staff is aware of proper use and limitations of biosafety cabinets including air flow disturbance, use of
volatile chemicals or flammables, etc.
UV lights in biosafety cabinets are not relied upon for primary decontamination.
Centrifuge aerosol containment safety cups or sealed rotors are used to centrifuge biological agents.
When possible, safety cups are loaded/unloaded inside a biosafety cabinet.
All procedures are performed carefully to minimize the creation of aerosols. Are aerosol generating
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REQUIREMENT YES NO N/A NOTES
activities are performed in a biological safety cabinet? (Sonicating, homogenizing, vortexing, etc.)
If aerosol-generating procedures are performed outside of a biosafety cabinet, what additional
precautions are in place? (SOPs, barriers, additional PPE, decontamination, etc.)
A process for inventory control is in place; stocks/cultures are documented and labeled.
The lab has documented training records: Biosafety / BBP / Shipping Biohazardous Waste (if required).
Lab-specific training about the specific hazards present in the lab is provided to lab personnel and
documented. All staff and visitors are trained prior to exposure to lab hazards.
A current UW Biosafety Manual is accessible in the lab (electronic on lab computer or printed copy).
PI or lab manager reviews BUA letters with lab personnel, and a copy is available for reference.

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