Although a BSL1 lab is for work involving well-characterized agents not known to consistently cause disease in immunocompetent adult humans and that present minimal potential hazard to lab personnel and the environment, PPE is still required for manipulation of organisms requiring BSL1 containment to protect lab workers from exposure to potentially hazardous materials and to prevent contamination of personal clothing.
The lab coat requirement for BSL1 work has been changed. In the CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratory (BMBL), 5th edition (the previous version), BSL1 criteria, it stated protective laboratory coats, gowns, or uniforms are recommended to prevent contamination of personal clothing. The 6th edition of BMBL (the current version), BSL1 criteria states “Protective laboratory coats, gowns, or uniforms are worn to prevent contamination of personal clothing.". In addition to lab coats, it states "Protective eyewear is worn by personnel when conducting procedures that have the potential to create splashes and sprays of microorganisms or other hazardous materials. Gloves are worn to protect hands from exposure to hazardous materials.".
Note: The PPE requirements for BSL2 work have not been changed. See PPE requirements specified in the BSL2 criteria.
The following resources are available for University research and teaching labs to facilitate implementation of PPE requirements:
-  The University has two laundry service contractors: Cintas (formally G & K Services) and Aramark, Inc. (formally AmeriPride Services, Inc).
- Â Disposable gowns or lab coats
- Disposable gowns or lab coats can be purchased through U Market.
- Cost-effective option for disposable gowns, $15 for a box of 60.
-  Many options for protective eyewear, splash shields and nitrile gloves are also available from UMarket.
Contact BOHD for assistance.