Microbiological Biosafety

In Australia, the use of pathogenic microorganisms and samples containing these is managed to provide protection to laboratory workers, the community, animals, agriculture, industry and the environment.

A variety of legislation, standards, guidelines and codes of practice govern the use of pathogenic microorganisms in Australia. The core principles of microbiological biosafety are described in Australian/New Zealand Standard 2243.3:2022 ‘Safety in Laboratories Part 3: Microbiological Safety and Containment’. Additional regulations and requirements apply in specific scenarios.

AS/NZS 2243.3 covers the core set of requirements and practices relating to the safe handling and containment of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and prions that are hazardous to humans, animals, plants, aquatic organisms, or carried by invertebrates. The requirements apply to a variety of research, teaching, clinical and industry settings, and extend to areas where specimens that may contain pathogenic microorganisms and prions are handled (e.g., biochemistry or soil laboratories). The University expects that all research and teaching activities undertaken with pathogenic microorganisms adheres to the requirements of the Standard.

Please also visit the HSW website for information about vaccinations, personal protective equipment, and working safely with human patients and/pr animals.

  • Microbiological risk groups

    Australian/New Zealand Standard 2243.3 (and equivalent international standards and regulations) uses a risk group classification system to categorise microorganisms based on the degree of risk that they pose, and the level of containment required when handling the microorganisms.

    There are four risk groups defined within AS/NZS 2243.3:

    • Risk Group 1 – the lowest level of risk, requiring physical containment level 1
    • Risk Group 2 – moderate level of risk, requiring physical containment level 2
    • Risk Group 3 - high level of risk, requiring physical containment level 3
    • Risk Group 4 – very high level of risk, requiring physical containment level 4

    Risk group ratings apply to bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and prions. AS/NZS 2243.3 defines different risk group criteria for these based on their hazard to humans and animals, plants, aquatic organisms, and for microorganisms carried by invertebrate vectors.

    Please refer to the ‘Microbiological Biosafety FAQs’ for further information and for definitions and examples for each risk group.

    Where you are working with a microorganism that is not listed in the AS/NZS 2243.3 example tables, please contact the Research Compliance Officer: Biosafety for assistance in determining the risk group for your work.

  • Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBAs)

    Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBAs) are microorganisms and toxins deemed by the government to pose a significant risk to human health, the environment and the Australian Economy if deliberately released. The use of these is controlled to limit the occurrence of acts of bioterrorism or biocrime.

    Legal requirements for the SSBA scheme are established under Part 3 of the . The provide details about requirements under the scheme, and the provide detailed information on how confir