Biosecurity Considerations for Virtual Tours of Facilities

During these unprecedented times, academia and organizations have been modifying their approach to distance education and remote work arrangements. As such, virtual tours of laboratories for training purposes have become more popular. Before publishing virtual tours, it is important to hide from view any biosecurity elements that aim to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to laboratories and confidential information.

Published virtual tours should show parts of a facility that your organization deems appropriate for public release. Information that should not be publicly released includes biosecurity elements such as physical security systems and sensitive facility areas. Elements that should not be included in your published virtual tours include:

•         floor plans
•         locations of sensitive documents
•         electronic access control systems
•         locks, keys and their storage locations
•         location and stock of pathogens and toxins

By concealing this information from public view, your organization is reducing the risk of biosecurity events in your facility. Learn more about developing a biosecurity plan for your organization.

Send questions to the Centre for Biosecurity at pathogens.pathogenes@phac-aspc.gc.ca.