Table 2 Containment laboratory – biosafety level 3: laboratory safety survey checklist adopted from WHO biosafety manual, 3^rdedition [11]

Personal protection

Yes

There are two sets of gowns clearly labelled to differentiate those strictly used in containment section

Closed-front gowns worn in laboratory

Protective laboratory clothing worn only in laboratory areas

Yes

All section have their respective clothing readily available in areas of use

Hand-washing sink foot, elbow or automatically controlled

Yes

With elbow operated tapes

Hand protection

Yes

All areas where infectious materials are handled have sign post for use of gloves as a reminder

Double gloves worn when handling infectious material, potentially contaminated equipment and work surfaces

Respiratory protection

Yes

All samples are checked for leakages before accessioning and processed inside a class II biosafety cabinet

Respiratory protection worn by all personnel in the laboratory when aerosols are not safely contained in a biosafety cabinet (BSC)

Practices

Yes

N95 masks, gaggles, and head-dress are available and strictly used when handling chemicals and materials that can affect mucous membrane

Mucous membrane protection provided when working with infectious material outside a BSC

Personnel advised of special hazards associated with the agent(s)

Yes

Through biosafety manual and initial and refresher trainings. All SOPs have a safety precaution section

Personnel required to read and follow all instructions on practices and procedures, including safety or operations manual

Yes

This is quarterly checked through internal audits and safety audits

Personnel receive annual updates/additional training for procedural changes

Yes

Through in-house training facilitated by biosafety officer or external trainings; also key points are emphasized during biosafety meetings

All contaminated waste autoclaved prior to disposal

Yes

Using disinfectants and autoclave before disposal