Recent events, including the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the subsequent bioterrorist releases of anthrax, have been a harsh awakening that the nation’s workplaces could be terrorist targets.

Traditionally laboratory safety guidelines have emphasized use of optimal work practices, appropriate containment equipment, well-designed facilities, and administrative controls to minimize risks of unintentional infection or injury for laboratory workers. Today, in addition to the above, laboratories must make a risk and threat assessment, secure data and electronic technology systems, plus develop policies regarding specimen accountability, facility security, and emergency response.

The next few pages will cover a number of things that you can do to assist in making your laboratory more risk free to a terrorist attack and some things you can do in case that security is breached.

You too have a role in the security of your workplace!