What is the main characteristic of BSL-2?

The main characteristic of Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) is the requirement for controlled access due to moderate health hazards associated with the organisms handled in this level. BSL-2 laboratories are designed to work with agents that can cause disease in humans but pose a moderate risk. Therefore, while laboratory personnel must be trained in the handling of these materials, BSL-2 facilities allow for more flexibility compared to BSL-3 or BSL-4 environments, which require higher containment and stricter access controls.

Controlled access is essential to protect both personnel and the environment from potential exposure to infectious agents. Standard practices include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, as well as implementing specific protocols for waste disposal and disinfection. This level does not necessitate the complete isolation seen in higher biosafety levels, nor does it involve low-risk environments suitable for open bench work or specialized ventilation systems designed for containment. Thus, the defining feature of BSL-2 is its balance of moderate risk and necessary precautions, ensuring safety while allowing important biomedical research to be conducted.