1 Scope
This European Standard specifies minimum physical requirements for biological safety
for laboratories at four reference physical containment levels which are appropriate for handling micro-organisms of different risk groups.
This European Standard primarily addresses the containment of micro-organisms which
can present a risk to human health.
It applies to microbiology laboratories where the handling of micro-organisms in bacteriology,
mycology, virology, parasitology and/or genetic modification is carried out.
NOTE Some aspects can also be applicable to laboratories specializing in disciplines other than microbiology which deal with specimens or other material not intended for cultivation but which may contain micro-organisms.
The requirements given in this European Standard are to minimize risks that may result from handling micro-organisms or materials which contain them. They
are applicable to premises where there is an intention to manipulate or propagate
micro-organisms of known or unknown identity.