What is essential for containment in biosafety level 2 laboratories?

In biosafety level 2 laboratories, the use of Class I or Class II biological safety cabinets is essential for containment. These cabinets are designed to provide a controlled environment that protects the laboratory personnel and the surrounding environment from exposure to infectious agents. Class I cabinets protect the user and the environment but may not provide product protection, while Class II cabinets offer both personnel and environmental protection and also protect the samples being handled.

By utilizing these safety cabinets, laboratories ensure that airborne pathogens are contained effectively, minimizing the risk of exposure to staff and contamination of the laboratory space. Furthermore, these cabinets are equipped with HEPA filters that trap contaminants, which is critical in maintaining a safe working environment when handling moderate-risk biological materials.

In contrast, open access to the laboratory, lack of standard microbiological practices, and free movement of personnel would compromise safety measures and increase the risk of exposure to pathogens, which is contrary to the objectives of biosafety level 2 practices.