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Biosecurity

Since the anthrax attacks on American citizens in the fall of 2001, scientists and other institutional leaders have recognized the need for developing, implementing and/or improving the security of biological agents and toxins within their facilities. Since Mississippi State University does not work with select agents, many of the requirements specified for BSL-2 laboratories may provide sufficient security for the materials under study.

Except for the Select Agent Regulations, there is no current federal requirement for the development of a biosecurity program. The 5th edition of the BMBL does offer recommendations for those institutions or laboratories wishing enhanced security measures due to the presence of agents of high public health or agricultural concern or agents of high commercial value such as patented vaccine candidates.

As in biosafety, a risk assessment is performed. In the case of biosecurity, the CDC recommends the following:

1) identify and prioritize biologicals and/or toxins;
2) identify and prioritize the adversary/threat to biological and/or toxins;
3) analyze the risk of specific security scenarios;
4) design and develop an overall risk management program;
5) regularly evaluate the institution’s risk posture and protection objectives.

The elements of a biosecurity program include institution support for the program management, control and monitoring access to the materials through physical security, management of those people who actually work with the materials, maintenance of inventory and inventory accountability, information security, transport of the materials, accident/injury/incident response plans, reporting and chain-of-command structure, training and practice drills, and security updates and reevaluations.

Go to Section VI of the BMBL for more details.

Security Guidelines for Laboratories

To minimize opportunities for intentional removal of any hazardous materials (chemicals too), follow these guidelines:

1. Develop a site-specific security plan.

  • Make an assessment of your lab area for hazardous materials and particular security issues.
  • Develop and implement lab security procedures for your lab group.
  • Train lab personnel on security procedures and assign responsibilities.

2. Control access to areas where hazardous materials are used and stored.

  • Limit lab access to only those individuals who need to be in the lab.
  • Restrict off-hours access to only those individuals authorized by the PI.
  • Lock freezers, refrigerators, storage cabinets and other containers where stocks of biological agents, hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials are stored when they are not in direct view of workers (for example, when located in an unattended storage area).
  • Do not leave hazardous materials unattended or unsecured at any time.
  • Close and lock lab doors when no one is present.

3. Know who is supposed to be in the lab area.

  • Know who is in the lab at any given time.
  • Approach any people you do not recognize who appear to be wandering in lab areas and ask if you can help them.