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How To Properly Use A Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) In Labs

May 18, 2023

How To Properly Use A Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) In Labs

In the market several kinds of Biosafety cabinets are available and selection is based on the nature of the research/application. Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) are divided into classes (I, II, and III) and types (A, B, C).

Class II cabinets are designed to protect the research material as well as the worker and the environment. Both the supply air and the exhaust pass through a HEPA filter.

There are four types of Class II cabinets. Class II Type A2 cabinets (formerly labeled Type A/ B3) have a number of design features that make them more useful in research laboratories than other Class II cabinets.

A Class II biosafety cabinet (BSC) is a ventilated cabinet that provides personnel, product, and environmental protection. It is designed for use with biological agents that pose a moderate or high risk of infection.

There are three types of Class II BSCs:

* Type A2 cabinets have a unidirectional airflow pattern that provides product protection.

* Type B1 cabinets have a turbulent airflow pattern that provides personnel and environmental protection.

* Type B2 cabinets have a unidirectional airflow pattern that provides personnel, product, and environmental protection.

All Class II BSCs have an open front with a sash that can be raised or lowered. The sash is designed to create a negative pressure inside the cabinet, which helps to prevent the escape of airborne contaminants.

The air inside the cabinet is drawn through a HEPA filter, which removes 99.97% of airborne particles. The filtered air is then exhausted from the cabinet through the back or top.

Class II BSCs also have a work surface that is covered with a non-porous material, such as stainless steel. This helps to prevent the spread of contaminants from the work surface to other areas of the laboratory.

 

Here are some additional details about how a Class II BSC works:

* The air flow rate inside the cabinet is typically between 75 and 100 linear feet per minute (FPM). This helps to keep the cabinet under negative pressure and to prevent the escape of airborne contaminants.

* The HEPA filter in the cabinet removes 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. This helps to protect the user from exposure to harmful biological agents.

* The non-porous work surface in the cabinet helps to prevent the spread of contaminants from the work surface to other areas of the laboratory.

* Class II BSCs are an important tool for the safe handling of biological agents. They can help to protect users from exposure to harmful pathogens and to prevent the spread of contamination.

 

Here are some additional safety tips for using a Class II BSC:

* Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in a Class II BSC, such as gloves, a lab coat, and safety glasses.

* Never reach into the cabinet with your bare hands.

* Always use a pipettor or other safe transfer device to transfer materials in and out of the cabinet.

* Never open the sash when the cabinet is in use.

* Inspect the cabinet regularly for leaks and damage.

* Report any problems with the cabinet to the laboratory supervisor.

By following these safety tips, you can help to ensure the safe use of a Class II BSC.

 

How to Properly Use a Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) in Labs

Installation. Choose a location away from pedestrian traffic, doors, and air currents generated by room ventilation, all of which can disrupt airflow.

The BSC must be re-certified after movement and installation at the new location.

NOTE: Even small moves can disturb the HEPA filter and therefore, re-certification is necessary.

 

Certification. The certification process ensures that the Biosafety Cabinet is working as designed. Annual re-certification is required for all BSCs used for work with biohazards, and is the responsibility of the laboratory or the department office. Contact us for NSF49 Certified BSC Equipment.