The document discusses the history and key aspects of biological safety levels. It began with the first Biological Safety Conference in 1955 organized by the U.S. Army to share knowledge on bio-safety issues. In 1964, the CDC specified four biosafety levels (BSL 1-4) to isolate dangerous biological agents. BSL1 is for well-characterized agents of minimal hazard. BSL2 requires more containment for agents of moderate hazard. BSL3 is for indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious disease, while BSL4 is for dangerous and exotic agents that pose high risk of life-threatening disease. The document outlines the standard and special practices, safety equipment and facilities required at each level.