SARS-Coronaviruses and Highly Pathogenic Influenza Viruses

Section 8: Laboratory biocontainment and safety practices

Laboratory biocontainment and safety practices are enumerated in the SARS, Arbovirus Pathogenesis Laboratory and HPI Laboratory Safety Protocols to which this protocol is an appendix. BSL-3 biocontainment practices (as described in Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, CDC 1999) will be met or exceeded and will be strictly enforced. Work with these agents must be performed in laboratories reserved for BSL-3 designated agents exclusively. Additional information regarding biosafety and biocontainment can be derived from:

1. Wadsworth Center Safety Protocol - (for Wadsworth Staff Only)
2. SARS-specific CDC medical surveillance guideline for laboratory workers
3. SARS-specific WHO protocol

Section 9: SARS and HPI laboratory access

General laboratory safety training and familiarity with the Wadsworth Center safety guidelines, BSL-3 and specific SARS and Influenza Research Laboratory training and experience are required for admittance to the laboratory. Additional qualifying training and experience is required for authorization to work alone in the laboratory under conditions described in the SARS and Influenza Research Laboratory Safety protocols. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended unless contraindicated (e.g., egg allergy).

It is recommended that employees with any of the following be discouraged from work in the BSL-3 laboratory or be reassigned to other duties:

• pregnancy
• known immunosuppression
• febrile illness (>1000°F)
• open wounds or skin lesions that cannot be adequately protected
• chronic asthma, emphysema or severe respiratory conditions
• current use of clinically directed medications known to reduce dexterity or reaction time.