Containment laboratories are found in hospitals, universities and other healthcare and life science facilities that carry out scientific research and experimentation.

Different levels of laboratory containment are required depending on the microbiological agent being used - CL3 is the most common level in the UK, and is required for work with Hazard Group 3 biological agents (i.e., those that can cause severe human disease, may be a serious hazard to employees, and may spread to the community, but for which there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available).

Containment within a laboratory is achieved by specialist airflow design, which allows the laboratory to operate at a negative pressure in relation to the outer spaces. 

In this way, biological agents are managed in the environment so as to prevent or control the exposure of workers, other people and the outside environment to the agent or agents in question.

Bringing in an airflow specialist like MAT is vital to ensure the containment is achieved in line with the requirements and standards of HTM 03-01 (2021). 

You can read about our many successful containment laboratory projects on our News pages or message for more information.