1988 Agent Summary Statement for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Report on Laboratory-Acquired Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus [MMWR, Vol 37 No.S-4]

Vol. 37 / No. S-4

MMWR

11

8. An autoclave for decontaminating laboratory wastes is available, preferably
within the laboratory.
9. A ducted exhaust-air ventilation system is provided. This system creates
directional airflow that draws air into the laboratory through the entry area.
The exhaust air is not recirculated to any other area of the building, is
discharged to the outside, and is dispersed away from occupied areas and
air intakes. Personnel must verify that the direction of the airflow is proper
(i.e., into the laboratory). The exhaust air from the laboratory room can be
discharged to the outside without being filtered or otherwise treated.
10. The HEPA-filtered exhaust air from Class I or CLass II biological safety
cabinets is discharged directly to the outside or through the building
exhaust system. Exhaust air from Class I or II biological safety cabinets may
be recirculated within the laboratory if the cabinet is tested and certified at
least every 12 months. If the HEPA-filtered exhaust air from Class I or II
biological safety cabinets is to be discharged to the outside through the
building exhaust system, it is connected to this system in a manner (e.g.,
thimble-unit connection) that avoids any interference with the air balance of
the cabinets or building exhaust system.
VERTEBRATE ANIMAL BIOSAFETY LEVEL CRITERIA
Animal Biosafety Level 2
A. Standard practices
1. Doors to animal rooms open inward, are self-closing, and are kept closed
when infected animals are present.
2. Work surfaces are decontaminated after use or spills of viable materials.
3. Eating, drinking, smoking, and storing of food for human use are not
permitted in animal rooms.
4. Personnel wash their hands after handling cultures and animals and before
leaving the animal room.
5. All procedures are carefully performed to minimize the creation of aerosols.
6. An insect and rodent control program is in effect.
B. Special practices
1. Cages are decontaminated, preferably by autoclaving, before being cleaned
and washed.
2. Surgical-type masks are worn by all personnel entering animal rooms
housing nonhuman primates.
3. Laboratory coats, gowns, or uniforms are worn while in the animal room.
This protective clothing is removed before leaving the animal facility.
4. The laboratory or animal-facility director limits access to the animal room
only to personnel who have been advised of the potential hazard and who
need to enter the room for program or service purposes when work is in
progress. In general, persons who may be at increased risk of acquiring