IFBAs Biocontainment Engineering Network Istanbul July 2011 K
IFBA’s Biocontainment Engineering Network Istanbul. July, 2011 K. Ugwu Co-chair IFBA Biocontainment Engineering Working Group
International Federation of Biosafety Associations • International non-profit NGO • Working around the world since 2001 to address biological threats and advance biosafety/biosecurity • Advocacy and operational Role Promoting Biosafety through World-wide Collaboration
IFBA Members & Observers • Member associations (Biosafety Associations) • Observer organizations (Multilateral organizations, governments, NGOs, Academia) • Griffin Foundation, US BEP, ICLS, GPP, CDC, Redi Centre, Sandia. . .
IFBA – Building Biocontainment Capacity Promoting Biosafety through World-wide
Network of Biocontainment Expertise Biosafety professionals, scientists, lab technicians, academics, architects, engineers, managers, policy makers, …….
Understanding Local Context • Capacity building in resource-limited countries must be practical, sustainable and based on the needs of the country
IFBA Biosafety Engineering Network • Identify practical solutions to containment facilities • Advocacy to include these approaches in international guidelines and best practices • Mentor those new to the field • Build global capacity • ERG/IFBA/Germfree Sustainable Engineering award • Build consensus on controversial issues • Find simple safe and workable solutions for resource establishments Sustainable, practical and local solutions. . .
Local, Practical, Sustainable • Cost pressures • Local unavailability of highly technical equipment and replacement parts • Unreliable utilities and fluctuating power supply • Unfamiliarity of constructing and operating a highly complex BSL 3 facility
What are we trying to achieve…
How do we get there? No “one size fits all” for BSL 3 facilities • apply different approaches and solutions • need careful planning and programming before you start the design process • based on the risk assessment
Why Risk Assessment is Important Big money…. Don’t build this…. .
Why Risk Assessment is Important Pocket change…. When all you need is this …. .
Why Risk Assessment is Important Do not want to “overdesign” laboratory • • BSL 3 containment space is very expensive to build, operate and maintain Working at BSL 3 is less efficient (protective clothing, entry/exit procedures, medical surveillance)
Why Risk Assessment is Important
Risk Assessment/Lab Programming • Complete your risk assessment with architects and engineers during Lab Programming • Answers to these questions will drive the design • • what pathogens what diagnostic tests what SOPs how many samples. .
Building a Biocontainment Lab
Programming the Lab • Meet with architects and engineers to identify the scientific program requirements for the lab • Conduct risk assessment together • Design a laboratory that meets both the scientific needs and containment requirements • Define architectural and mechanical concepts for the facility The most important step in the entire process!! Lead to a successful certification…
Programming the Lab • Zoning approach to containment and security • Architectural/ mechanical is are not over-designed at BSL 2 and support spaces • Balance between electronic and operational solutions • Using visual signage vs electonic door interlocks • Simple architectural solutions • Epoxy-based paint on gympsum board for interior BSL 3 walls • Monolithic sheet-vinyl flooring in BSL 3 lab areas utilities • Simple mechanical solutions • Using flow-offset to achieve inward directional airflow • Limiting number of Class IIB 2 BSCs Conceptual design decisions for successful certification!!
International Certification • No international accredited certification program for biocontainment facilities • Several national authorities have accredited “certifiers” • Singapore, Canada
International Certification • No detailed set of international certification criteria to follow ? ? General certification criteria Detailed certification criteria
International Certification • New set of criteria under development in US • International applicability?
International Certifiers? • IFBA Biosafety Professionals Recognition program • Exploring options for recognizing engineers/architects who design, build, commission and operate biocontainment facilities • What about certifiers?
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