This study deals with a literature review that aimed to raise information about the biosafety theme, as well on the use and protection measures of research laboratories. The study is relevant based on the importance of know the procedures used in biosafety laboratories, which can be seen as a field of knowledge or how a set of practices and technical actions with social and environmental concerns that are designed to meet and control the risks that the work can provide for the environment and life. Throughout the development of this work, was described from the main concepts of biosecurity, the occurrence of possible biological accidents, until quick and useful information on biosafety and good laboratory practices. The Databases used were the LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, as well books and reference documents for the area. The method used was a literature review through a critical, objective and comprehensive approach, considering the importance of the theme. At the end of the work, it was perceived how is the handling of biological agents, the risks associated with these agents, the containment measures and the personal protective equipment to the realization of good laboratory practices. This article can contribute to the general knowledge of the population, especially for those who make use of laboratories or in their daily activities or sporadically, enabling this way know and/or review the measures and precautions that are suggested in the literature for the laboratory biosecurity, because beyond the knowledge, the use and application of prudence and common sense of each individual are necessary for security in these environments.