The Biological Agent Safety Guides are intended to aid laboratory personnel in the risk assessment process for research involving biological agents. Each guide provides a brief overview of the agent's hazard characteristics and health risks of the biological agent, emergency procedures, required containment, and other guidance to mitigate the risk of research involving biological hazards.
The Biological Agent Safety Guides are not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for required lab-specific training provided by a supervisor prior to handling the agent. These guides should not be used as the only source of information for risk assessments. They are intended to be used as an additional tool to assess potential hazards and necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exposures to human pathogens used in laboratory research.
The lists of biological agents will be periodically updated. If you have any recommendations
to improve the current guides or for new agent safety guides, please email the Biosafety Officer.
Disclosure
The Biological Agent Safety Guides are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice provided by a physician or healthcare provider. The content of the guides should not be relied on for medical advice, medical care, diagnosis or treatment purposes. All individuals working with biological agents are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for appropriate counseling and guidance. Treatments, tests or other products mentioned in the guides may not be appropriate for all individuals or circumstances, and these decisions should only be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Risk Group 2 Agents
Chromobacterium violaceum [pdf]
Enterococcus faecalis & Enterococcus faecium [pdf]
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [pdf]