scope:

This document sets out requirements and practices relating to safe handling and containment of microorganisms and prions in laboratories, including pathology, clinical research and diagnostic laboratories. It includes requirements and practices for terrestrial animal, plant, invertebrate and aquatic organism containment facilities (these may be integral or separate to the laboratory) where microbiological work such as research, teaching, diagnosis, quality control and regulatory analysis (e.g. of foodstuffs, water and effluents, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics) is undertaken.

This document may also provide assistance to other laboratories where specimens that may contain pathogenic microorganisms and prions are handled (e.g. biochemistry and soil laboratories).

NOTE 1 This document uses the term "containment facility" instead of historical terms such as "plant house", "glass house", "insectary" and "animal house".

NOTE 2 This document does not specify specific safety requirements related to the generation or use of genetically modified microorganisms. While aspects of this document are relevant, the relevant authority should be consulted (see Clause 2.3).

NOTE 3 The principles of containment detailed in this document apply regardless of the scale or quantity of microbiological material being used (see also Clause 2.3).

NOTE 4 This document is not intended to be used as a substitute for other regulations or guidelines that apply to these organisms, such as those issued by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) and the Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) in Australia or those issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in New Zealand.