What if a researcher is accidentally exposed to a biological agent and becomes infected?
The design of the BRL and stringent safety procedures greatly reduce this risk. Researchers will wear personal protective equipment, including a gown, gloves, and goggles, and will work with biological agents inside specialized biosafety cabinets designed to protect them and their surroundings. Comprehensive safety training on the signs and symptoms of infection by each agent will be provided, and researchers will be vaccinated, as appropriate. Although unlikely, if a researcher is exposed to an agent, he/she will be put under medical surveillance, quarantined (if necessary), and treated.
