BSL Competencies

CDC/APHL Laboratory Biosafety Competencies for the BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 Laboratories

CDC and APHL have convened an expert panel to define biosafety competencies for laboratorians working in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 facilities. This panel has representation from federal governmental labs, private, clinical, research and academic laboratories, as well as from professional associations. These experts represented work at all three levels of laboratory containment.

The panel was convened by Judy Delany, M.S. MPH, MT(ASCP) from the Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services (proposed) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pandora Ray, MPH, of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) facilitated the meetings, and Kajari Shah, MPH, of APHL was the project manager for the workgroup.

Intended Users:

All Laboratory professionals are encouraged to participate, regardless of experience.

Although these competencies are written specifically for the laboratory professional. Biosafety professionals are also encouraged to respond. Please answer the questions in the table for each competency. The laboratory biosafety competency set was developed in three sections, with each section focused on laboratory workers with a different level of experience and responsibility.

Entry Level Laboratorian:

• Education with no hands-on experience at a given BSL level
• Works under direct observation until proficient then works under direct supervision
• Not working independently—limited discretion to make decisions
• Understanding of life sciences

Mid Level Laboratorian:

• Mastered the competencies of introductory level
• Has some hands-on experience at given BSL level
• Performs work tasks independently
• Works under supervision
• Provides inputs and possible solutions to make decisions
• Ability to trouble shoot problems and report to supervisor
• Escort support staff into lab
• May train, mentor or oversee the work of introductory-level staff in the lab

Senior Level Laboratorian:

• Mastered the competencies of mid-level knowledge
• Has extensive experience at given BSL level
• Works under minimal supervision
• Will train, mentor and oversee the work of introductory and mid-level staff in the lab
• Discretion to make decisions
• Provide input for risk assessment
• May serve as the PI, would then be responsible for PI tasks
• Manages directly staff
• Coordinate with facility personnel
• Responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance
• Input into selection of outside contractors
• Should have understanding of the facility operations

For additional definitions and clarifications of terms, please refer to the Lexicon included with this survey. We strongly urge you to print the Lexicon prior to offering your feedback.

Most of these competencies reflect those needed for the laboratorian working at any level of laboratory biocontainment. In selected domains, additional competencies were developed for the worker in the BSL-4 laboratory.

The competencies were placed in the following domains to correspond to the organization of the BMBL to create the greatest usability for the laboratorian:

1. Identification of Potential Hazards with Subdomains: Biological agents, Research Animals, chemical Hazards, Physical Hazards, Radiological Hazards
2. Hazard Controls with subdomains: Personal Protective Equipment, Engineering Controls, Decontamination and Laboratory Waste Management
3. Administrative Controls with subdomains: Hazard Signage and Communication, Guideline and Regulation Compliance, safety Program Management, Medical Surveillance, Risk Assessment, Risk Associated with Laboratory Procedures
4. Emergency Preparedness and Response with subdomains: Emergencies and Incident Response, Exposure Prevention and Hazard Mitigation, Emergency Response Exercises and Drills.

Further questions and comments about the Laboratory Competencies may be directed to Kajari Shah, Senior Specialist, National Center for Public Health Laboratory Leadership, at 704.771.9604 or kajari.shah@aphl.org.