scope:

Specifies minimum physical requirements for biological safety for laboratories at four reference physical containment levels which are appropriate for handling microorganisms of different risk groups. This standard primarily addresses the containment of microorganisms which can present a risk to human health. It applies to microbiology laboratories where the handling of microorganisms in bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology and/or genetic modification is carried out. The requirements given in this standard are to minimize risks that may result from handling microorganisms or materials which contain them. They are applicable to premises where there is an intention to manipulate or propagate microorganisms of known or unknown identity.