If there is a leak at a BSL 4 lab that implies that the lab is not strictly adhering to protocols not that the protocols are loose.

We warned about this lab.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/read-the-state-depart...

Note part 6.

The BSL prescribes the precautions that must be taken to maintain safety, but it's up to human oversight to actually enforce those practices. It's not uncommon for viruses to escape even BSL4 both in the US and abroad.

Both labs in Wuhan have had accidental contamination incidents while collecting field samples in caves. Working with hazardous materials is always dangerous, and history has no shortage of lessons to teach us.

It's not that you need to tighten up the rules... it's that you need to actually follow them. The Wuhan lab had a reputation for not following the rules for the CCP-Claimed Biosafety Level 4.

I didn't hear that it was a level 4 lab. Those are for the viruses deemed most severe. Plenty of work goes on at other labs- at least in the US. Not sure about China.

Maybe you can enlighten me.

Looks good on paper but what is actually happening in reality? How do I know they follow those procedures? How do I know they're not paying someone to give a checkmark for inspection?

What would be the punishment if they were caught not following procedures? Would they publicly punished or would the embarrassment for the Chinese government be quietly swept under the rug?

Eliminate or reduce the hazard is the most effective measure.

A commonly used hierarchy is "ERICPD", from most to least effective: Eliminate, Reduce, Isolate, Control, PPE and Discipline

Only allowing robots and disallowing all human presence in the lab.