Biological Safety Cabinets

Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) provide protection from biohazards to users, samples, and the environment. This is accomplished by creating a laminar air flow and by filtering air with HEPA filters. BSCs can only do their job, however, if they are used properly.

Maintenance and Certification

BSCs must be certified by an NSF-accredited professional yearly, upon installation, and after relocation. This certification will be checked during your yearly Laboratory Safety Survey.

Working Safely in a BSC

Proper laminar air flow must be maintained in the BSC to ensure user, sample, and environmental protection. Here are a few tips on working safely in a BSC:

  • Turn on the BSC and wait at least 5 minutes before using. This allows time for the BSC to establish sufficient laminar flow.
  • Only keep the immediately necessary equipment in the BSC while working. Excessive materials and equipment can disrupt air flow.
  • Do not block the perforated grills at the front and rear of the BSC, as this can disrupt air flow.
  • Move arms directly into and out of the BSC, avoiding sweeping and sideways motions.
  • PPE, such as gloves, lab coat, and disposable sleeves, must be worn while working in the BSC.
  • Thoroughly clean and decontaminate the BSC after work is complete with an appropriate disinfectant.

These videos provide more information about laminar flow and BSC operation:

 

Open Flames in a BSC

The use of open flames in a BSC is discouraged for several reasons. The open flame may:

  • Disrupt the laminar flow within the cabinet, which diminishes the personnel and sample protection;
  • Cause heat build-up and damage to HEPA filters;
  • Present a fire or explosion hazard; and/or
  • Inactivate the manufacturer’s warranty.

In addition, the CDC states that “open flames are not required in the near microbe free environment of a biological safety cabinet”. If you still feel that you need to use an open flame in your BSC, consider using a Bacticinerator, Touch-O-Matic, or Safety Gas Burner instead.

Chemicals in a BSC

BSCs exhaust a portion of the air from inside the cabinet out into the room, so any chemical you are using in the BSC is being expelled into the lab space. Therefore, you should NOT use hazardous chemicals in the BSC unless it is hard-ducted to the building exhaust system. BSCs are ONLY to be used for biohazards and low-hazard chemicals.