In recognition of the growing number of microbiological and biomedical laboratories working with toxins of biological origin, the following is provided as a guideline for working with these toxins.

The material below is adapted from the Biological Defense Safety Program, Technical Safety Requirements (DA Pamphlet 385-69) and Appendix A of the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Association rule "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories''

Laboratory managers and facility safety officials are encouraged to utilize the references listed below and to consult with subject matter experts before using any toxin, to ensure that appropriate facilities, containment equipment, policies and procedures, personnel training programs and medical surveillance protocols specific to the toxin and the laboratory are in place.

General
The laboratory facilities, equipment, and procedures appropriate for work with toxins of biological origin must reflect the intrinsic level of hazard posed by a particular toxin as well as the potential risks inherent in the operations performed. If both toxins and infectious agents are used, both must be considered when containment equipment is selected and policies and procedures are written. If animals are used, animal safety practices must also be considered.

Standard Practices
Standard practices listed under BSL 2 and BSL 3 should be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate into protocols for work with toxins.