Physical Containment (PC) Facilities - Research and Research Training Portfolio | University of Tasmania Skip to content Library Students Staff MyLO Contacts Search UTAS Search Menu Study Study with UTAS I am a: Future Student (Domestic) Future Student (International) Higher Degree by Research Candidate Postgraduate Coursework Student Current Student Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Parent Popular Links Applying to Study Courses Ask Us Scholarships Open Day Accommodation Library Webmail Research Research Our Research About Research Partnerships Research facilities and infrastructure Research institutes and centres Research Stories Research Administration Graduate Research Research Degrees Current Candidates Scholarships Community UTAS Community Community Alumni & Friends UTAS Foundation Giving to UTAS Scholarships Engagement For Community & Industry Public Events Vice-Chancellor's Awards About UTAS About UTAS Our University About us Council Vice-Chancellor Faculties & Schools Global Engagement Contacts Key Dates Jobs & Careers Campuses & Services Campus Information Campus Maps Library Emergencies & Security News, Events & Publications News Events Media Releases Alumni News Research to Reality Research Funding Graduate Research Research Ethics Ethics Review Manager Human Ethics Animal Ethics Research Integrity Biosafety Security Sensitive Biological Agents University Biosafety Manual Biologicals Users Group Biosafety Management Program Biosecurity Gene Technology Defence Export Controls Clinical Trial Governance Contacts Research Performance and Analysis Business Development and Technology Transfer Resources Research to Reality Contacts Quick Links WARP Forms & Templates Central Science Laboratory Current Vacancies Research and Research Training Portfolio Physical Containment (PC) Facilities You are here UTAS Home Research and Research Training Portfolio Research Ethics Biosafety Physical Containment (PC) Facilities The hazard and risk posed by different microorganisms varies greatly. This variation is reflected in the organisation of microorganisms into risk groups. The Physical Containment (PC) level describes the design of the laboratory or facility used when working with microorganisms. The PC level shall be at least the appropriate level to the risk group of the microorganism - ie. PC1 for RG1 microorganisms and PC2 for RG2. All work done in a laboratory or facility of a specific PC level shall follow procedures and requirements prescribed for that level of PC as outlined in Section 5 of AS2243.3 Safety in Laboratories - Microbiological Safety and Containment. Note: Activities involving genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) must be conducted in a PC facility which is certified by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). For more details, refer to the Gene Technology website. The University of Tasmania has several PC1 and PC2 facilities available for research activities. Contact the relevant facility manager or biorisk.management@utas.edu.au for more information. Physical Containment Levels Physical Containment Level 1 (PC1) A PC1 laboratory or facility is suitable for work with microorganisms where the hazard levels are low, and where laboratory or facility personnel can be adequately protected by standard laboratory practice. Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) A PC2 laboratory or facility with appropriate practices and infrastructure is appropriate for research involving material likely to contain Risk Group (RG) 2 microorganisms. If activities involving material which is likely to aerosolise, or with microorganisms transmissable by the respiratory route are performed, they must be done so in a biosafety cabinet (BSC). Physical Containment Level 3 (PC3) and Level 4 (PC4) PC3 and PC4 facilities provides additional building features and services to minimise the risk of infection or release appropriate to the use of RG3 and RG4 microorganisms. Note: There are no certified PC3 or PC4 facilities in Tasmania. 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