Information
October 2001
National Microbiology Laboratory (Winnipeg Level 4 lab)
The Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health is the first facility in the world to accommodate both human and animal health facilities at the highest level of biocontainment under one roof. This facility provides a unique environment in which researchers can collaborate as they study established, emerging and re-emerging diseases in human and animal populations.
The Centre houses the National Microbiology Laboratory, Canada's first biosafety Level 4 laboratories. These labs have been designed and built to allow scientists and researchers to work safely with the most serious human and animal pathogens and diseases. These could be, for example, hantavirus, hepatitis, influenza viruses, and carry out research and diagnostic programs with some of the most virulent strains of viral haemorrhagic fevers such as the Ebola virus, Marburg virus and Lassa Fever.
Two highly effective security systems are in place at the laboratories to protect those working in the facility and in the neighbouring community. One security system prevents unauthorized access to the facility. This security system was formulated in consultation with the RCMP and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service.
A second security system ensures the biological safety and integrity of the laboratories.This system is recognized as being of the highest order and the systems in place at the Centre are regarded as the bench-mark for other laboratories in the world to achieve.
Level 3 and 4 laboratory areas contain airtight rooms and duct work, and feature interlocking and airtight bio-seal door and damper systems. Air-locks for entry and exit maintain negative air pressures to direct air inward, ensuring organisms being studied remain in the laboratory.
Air exiting the laboratories is filtered using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration. HEPA filters can filter out particles 85 times smaller than the smallest known disease-causing agent.
All of the laboratories in the complex feature 100 percent sterilization of solid and liquid waste, accomplished by a 20,000 litre liquid sterilization system and a specially-designed autoclave to heat and break down solid waste. All mechanical, electrical and structural penetrations through the containment barrier are equipped with special containment seals.
In the event of a blackout, three 1000-kilowatt generators handle emergency power back-up to all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and to essential life safety systems.
Since September 11th additional steps have been taken to further increase security at the laboratory, including increasing the number of daily foot patrols by security personnel around the grounds of the laboratory.
The Difference Between Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 Laboratories
Level 1: These labs handle routine biological agents unlikely to cause disease in healthy workers. Work can be done in a non-secure, open environment.
Level 2: Agents tested in Level 2 facilities generally are not transmitted through the air. Basic safety features such as sealed centrifuges and personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coats and protective eyewear) are used. Decontamination through hand washing and autoclaves are standard procedure.
Level 3: Agents tested in Level 3 labs can be transmitted through the air, and can cause serious or life threatening disease.
Level 4: Agents tested in level 4 labs can be transmitted by air, can produce serious and often fatal disease and there is generally no treatment or vaccine available. Level 4 facilities are isolated, completely sealed with their own air systems and are structurally independent of other buildings.
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