Construction, Renovation or Re-commissioning of a Containment Level 3 Laboratory

We recommend that you contact the Centre for Biosecurity (the Centre) at the first stage of Containment Level 3 laboratory projects, such as:

•         construction
•         renovation
•         modification
•         upgrade

We can provide the latest information, and verify that your plans and specifications meet current Canadian Biosafety Standard requirements. We'll provide input throughout the process regarding:

•         containment level lab plans
•         physical design
•         operation

This will allow all stakeholders to be involved from the outset to guide you through the project. Guidance will vary depending on the pathogens you plan to use and the work you will do, such as:

•         high-security biological agents
•         non-native animal pathogens
•         in vivo or in vitro (or both)

Re-commissioning existing spaces

Before you re-commission an existing Containment Level 3 lab, we require certain information as indicated in the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, including:

•         type of work done with the proposed Risk Group 3 pathogens:
•    in vitro only
•    in vitro and in vivo
•    intended animal model, if applicable
•         initial commissioning of laboratory (identification number, if known)
•         the Canadian guidelines or standards that initially commissioned this laboratory

This information will allow us to give you the best possible guidance on the requirements. It will also help identify:

•         the compliance documents you'll need to submit and
•         any validation and performance tests needed so that Public Health Agency of Canada can authorize a Risk Group 3 Pathogen and Toxin Licence for work performed in a Containment Level 3

For any questions or concerns, contact the Centre at biosafety.biosecurite@phac-aspc.gc.ca.