Final answer:
Personnel security measures are a fundamental element of a biosecurity program, designed to ensure that biohazards are handled safely and securely by trained and authorized personnel in accordance with the level of risk assessed by the CDC and NIH's Biosafety Levels (BSLs). option a is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
One element of a biosecurity program includes personnel security measures. Biosecurity in laboratories is a critical aspect of working with pathogenic microorganisms to prevent accidental release or exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have established four biological safety levels (BSLs), each requiring specific practices that include infrastructure and policies to protect personnel and the community. Biosafety Levels (BSLs) determine the necessary safety precautions based on the biological agent's characteristics, such as its infectivity, ease of transmission, and potential disease severity.
At all BSLs, security measures are fundamental to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas and materials. Practices may include background checks for laboratory staff, restricted access to areas where biohazards are present, and detailed training on handling potentially dangerous agents. These measures fall under the category of personnel security measures, which are crucial to any biosecurity program.