The Impact of Biosecurity on Biocontainment: A
Review and Critique Of Guidelines and Principles
Les Gartner, AIA, Smith Carter
In addition to the protect the worker and the community from exposure
to biological agents generated during the routine course of lab
operations, biosecurity is another factor important in the design
of biocontainment facilities. There is significant interest in this
because of the recent expansion of biocontainment facilities to
support the expanded infectious disease and anti-bioterrorism programs.
Biosecurity is maintaining the security of the agents possessed
by the research facility. The Patriot Act generated specific regulations
- the Select Agent Rule - that lists agents with high potential
to become bioweapons. These agents require the institution engage
specific practices and facilities to insure the agents do not leave
the facility through theft or as a result of assault on the facility.
There is also significant difference between the approaches to
security taken by various agencies where biological agents are the
cause for enhanced security. The interpretations of security requirements
vary greatly and their application has enormous consequences on
design, cost models, and the environment. Of note is that many of
the newer facilities are located in urban areas, requiring additional
attention to safety, security and sustainability. The key to decision
making for these facilities is a clear understanding of security
principles and a site specific threat and risk assessment.
This paper will review of the effect of biosecurity on containment
facilities, describe the threat and risk assessment, and developing
a rational and, as always, sustainable approach to biosecurity.
Findings:
- Need for biosecurity.
- Enforcement agencies.
- Applicable codes and guidelines.
- Threat and Risk Assessment approach.
- Design consequences.
- Sustainability impact.
- Alternative approaches to design and decision making.
Labs21 Connection:
Labs21 is a partnership. As such, it requires the merging of principles.
Biosecurity is a requirement, but how it is achieved is open to
a great deal of interpretation. Sustainable design is a goal. Because
this is a relatively new principle for laboratories, it is essential
that there not be an over reliance on the passive aspects of facilities
- physical hardening, added materials, windowless bunkers, etc.,
in short non-sustainable approaches. We are at a critical juncture
in this new trend and it is important for the design community and
clients and governing agencies to understand what the alternatives
are, so rational choices can be made.
Biography:
Not available at this time.
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