The Endurance Testing Process: A Methodology to Verify the Functionality of Biocontainment, Security, and Life Safety Systems in BSL-3 and BSL-4 Laboratories

摘要

Biocontainment facilities planning to possess or work with biological select agents and toxins (BSAT) require registration with the National Select Agent Registry. The registration process includes submission of documentation for review to either theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent Program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, followed by a site inspection. The process serves to assess whether an entity meets requirements to safely and securely conduct work with BSAT. Part of the assessment focuses on the facility itself with regards to design, construction and engineering. Testing and verifying that facility systems integral to biocontainment and overall safety and security are functional and reliable is an essential prerequisite. The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) developed a process of endurance testing to verify the facility could be operated in a safe and secure manner. Information presented will describe how the process was developed and provide examples of system and component endurance testing.