The science and technology group attached to the national anti-SARS command team opened its first training course on infectious SARS virus Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) in Beijing, September 15. More than 100 people engaged in BSL-3 administration and operation from the nation's medical, agricultural and educational sectors attended the course.

BSL refers to a laboratory which, in terms of its structure, facilities, operation procedures and equipment, could prevent its staff from attack when experimenting on objects containing microbes and toxins causing diseases, as well as prevent the environment from being polluted. According to the harm of microbes and their toxins, such laboratories are divided into 4 levels, the 4th level being the highest, and related regulations request that research on infectious SARS virus must be conducted in BSL-3.

The training organizers invited China's noted biosafety experts to give a systemized course on the subjects of BSL-3's construction, operation procedures, biosafety at home and abroad, as well as environmental protection.

(People's Daily September 16, 2003)