Hand wash basins in S1 and S2 facilities – mandatory, optional or even tradition?

The legal basis for working with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (GenTSV) and wild-type biological agents (BioStoffV) regulates, among other things, the minimum structural protective measures in the corresponding molecular biology laboratories. This includes the requirement for sinks and hand basins. In the context of working with biological agents, the requirement for hand basins is not always clear and will therefore be explained here. First, some basic information about the types of sinks is provided: The sink is primarily used for the disposal of harmless liquids and as a general source of water in the laboratory environment. Hand basins are used to clean hands, for example, to remove dye residues or to rinse after accidental contamination with corrosive substances. Biological agent contamination of the hands, on the other hand, is most effectively prevented by the hand disinfectants specified in the relevant hygiene plan. Hand disinfection serves not only for personal protection but also to prevent the spread of GMOs. The provisions of the GenTSV and BioStoffV, or rather the TRBA 100 that specifies them, are derived from this background, more or less understandably. The following is specified there:

S1 Laboratory: GenTSV Annex 2 to Section 14, Ia: A sink with a hand soap dispenser and a disposable towel dispenser and, if necessary, a disinfectant dispenser should be available in the work area.

Protection level 1 laboratory: TRBA 100, 5.2.1 (4): A sink with hand soap and disposable towel dispenser should be available in the work area

Therefore, for work at safety level 1 or protection level 1, where by definition there is no health risk, a separate handwashing basin is not required. Depending on the work being performed, a combined sink/handwashing basin may be sufficient.

S2 Laboratory: GenTSV Annex 2 to Section 14, IIa (S2): A sink, a disinfectant dispenser, a hand soap dispenser, and a disposable towel dispenser must be available for disinfecting and cleaning hands. ...The sink fittings, as well as the disinfectant dispenser and the hand soap dispenser, should be operable without hand contact.

Protection level 2 laboratory: TRBA 100, 5.3(4): The content of the statements is identical to that for S2 genetic laboratories, however there is an interesting and practical addition for cell culture laboratories: In laboratories for the cultivation of cell cultures, the sink can also be located in an adjacent area for product protection reasons.

For work at safety level 2 or protection level 2, a separate hand basin is also not mandatory. However, touch-free operation of the combined sink/hand basin, which is also possible, is essential.