By use of risk group 1 bacterial pathogens, the handling of microbial agents of risk groups 2 and 3 is simulated and practiced. For this purpose, risk group-related safety measures on technical, organizational and personal level will be elaborated. Fundamentals about different types of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper fitting as well as donning and doffing of appropriate PPE components is imparted. Decontamination procedures for eliminating bacterial zoonotic pathogens are discussed and partially applied and their effectiveness tested. Examples of pathogenic and highly pathogenic agents are used to explain the most important national and international sources for risk assessment of practical laboratory work. The focus is not only on questions of safe handling from the point of view of occupational health and safety (biosafety) but also on public health aspects and the prevention of misuse of corresponding pathogens or scientific findings (biosecurity, dual use). Measures for the prevention of unintentional releases of pathogenic agents up to the detection and defense against bioterrorism are explained and discussed. close