Final answer:
The CDC is the organization responsible for developing the guidelines for universal precautions as part of its mission to protect public health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organization that developed the guidelines for universal precautions, which are included in the biosafety levels (BSLs), is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The guidelines are informed by the agent's infectivity, ease of transmission, and potential for causing disease. The CDC works in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish these safety levels. They ensure that laboratory workers handle pathogens appropriately according to the risks involved.
It is worth noting that while other agencies like the FDA or OSHA have roles in developing protocols for cleaning or sterilizing medical equipment and establishing workplace safety standards, respectively, they are not directly responsible for creating guidelines for universal precautions. These precautions are specific to preventing laboratory-acquired infections and the safe handling of potentially infectious materials.