DDPS SAFETY LABORATORY PROJECT (SiLab)
Concept, activities and responsibilities
The existing BSL 2 laboratory on the SPIEZ LABORATORY site will be converted and a new building added to house the BSL 3 and 4 laboratories. These three laboratories will provide the necessary infrastructure to carry out laboratory analyses of special pathogens.
Given the extreme complexity of the security requirements involved in the project and the fact that the SiLab will be the first building of its kind in Switzerland, advice and information was sought from existing BSL 4 laboratories abroad with longstanding experience. Following many discussions with international experts on laboratory construction, biosafety, diagnostics and scientific handling of RG 3 and 4 pathogens, the new SiLab was designed to satisfy all requirements and legal provisions.
In terms of size, a conscious decision was made during the design process not to factor in any possible extensions to the building to allow for the future expansion of SiLab activities. The design does not include options, such as the construction of special animal testing areas for possible research work with primates, which will restrict the scope of the laboratory’s research somewhat. However, from the outset, it was agreed that the SiLab should focus on a set of clearly defined core activities to ensure the highest possible utilised capacity.
Below are the four core activities of the new safety laboratory:
- Diagnostics
Development and maintenance of primary diagnostics for special RG 3 and 4 pathogens (potential biological warfare agents)
This service should be available to military and civilian customers around the clock (24/7). The laboratory shall also provide comprehensive differential diagnostics. At a later date, it will become the national reference centre on special pathogens.
- Analysis of unidentified (environmental) samples
Triage and analysis of unidentified samples
This service which involves the analysis of unidentified suspect samples will be provided as part of overall emergency management activities. Experience has shown that nuclear, biological and chemical protection expertise must be pooled in such instances. The SPIEZ LABORATORY is in the perfection position to meet such demands, as it has the necessary capabilities to rapidly examine suspected sample material for the presence of chemical, biological and radioactive substances.
- Training
Provision of biowarfare agent analysis training to military biological specialists
Every year, around 6 specialists will be assigned to the BSL 3 laboratory for a period of approximately nine weeks. In the BSL 4, specialists with previous professional knowledge and experience will receive specialist training in BSL4 laboratory procedures.
Biosafety customers should receive more practice-oriented training. Training is provided in the BSL 3 laboratory as well as in the special training unit of the BSL 4 laboratory. All training programmes and courses are designed in close cooperation with the relevant national bodies and the WHO.
- Research and development
This core activity is essential for the operational capabilities and the improvement of existing know-how. Research and development work should be aimed at the primary needs of diagnostics. This concerns first and foremost the development of new methods to test known and unknown pathogens. Particular weight will also be given to medical bioprotection (e.g. research projects, which play a key role in the production of new vaccines). A special area of research will focus on risk, in particular analyses of the estimated risks associated with handling pathogenic agents.
Construction costs and personnel
According to the forecasts set out in the project, the costs of building and fitting out the DDPS safety laboratory should come to around CHF 28.5 million. As part of the final 2007 DDPS Military Real Estate Bill a decision is expected from parliament on the authorisation of the project budget by the end of 2006.
With regard to the running and maintenance of the new safety laboratory, there are plans to hire at least 6 new full-time employees (4 scientists and 2 technicians). At the present time, it is planned to advertise these posts.