Table 1 Laboratory design and main equipment in BSL-3 laboratory according to WHO biosafety guidelines

Isolation^a of laboratory

Yes

Yes

On the topmost level of the building with highly restricted access

Room sealable for decontamination

Yes

Yes

All windows are sealed and checked for leakages

Ventilation

Inward airflow

Yes

Yes

Inward airflow and ventilation system is automatically monitored with auto-sensors and two Magnehelic® gauges (for supply and exhaust each) and re-validated and certified annually by Air-filter maintenance services (AFMS) group of South Africa

Controlled ventilating system

Yes

HEPA-filtered air exhaust

Yes/No^b

Double-door entry

Yes

Yes

Doors are well sealed

Airlock

No

No

Airlock with shower

No

No

Anteroom

Yes

Yes

Anteroom is under negative pressure

Anteroom with shower

Yes/No^c

No

Effluent treatment

Yes/No^c

No

All effluent is decontaminated in the BSL-3 laboratory before is discharged to join the sewage system of the National Referral Hospital (Mulago)

Autoclave

Inside the containment section of the laboratory

On site

Yes

Yes

In laboratory room

Desirable

Yes

Double-ended

Desirable

No

Biological safety cabinets

Yes

Yes

Well serviced by AFMS annually

Personnel safety monitoring capability^d

Desirable

Yes

Reception and the laboratory sections are connected to intercom system and CCTV camera with a link to the laboratory manager and director’s offices