Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC)
As a safety equipment, Biological
Safety Cabinets (BSC's), are the
primary barrier or first line of defense used in the laboratory to
protect against exposure to infectious biological aerosols generated
during the manipulation of infectious agents, and to prevent
contamination of the environment. In order to achieve maximum
protection, biological safety cabinets must be tested and certified as
meeting manufacturer's specifications. Performance tests must be
conducted yearly, after the cabinet has been moved to a new location or
serviced, or if the cabinet is newly purchased or installed.
Guidelines for Working in Biological
Safety Cabinets
- Make sure cabinet is tested and
certified before use.
- Avoid exposure to cabinet's UV light.
- Turn air on and keep it running, allow air to
filter for few minutes before starting work.
- Make sure everything needed for the experiment
is inside the cabinet.
- Do not block cabinet's air grilles with
material and equipment.
- Segregate contaminated Items (i.e. clean items
to the left, contaminated items to the right.) to avoid mix-ups.
- Waste collection containers such as small
bio-hazardous waste
bags, should be placed inside cabinet to avoid bringing contaminated
items outside of cabinet, and out into the lab.
- Liquid trap/sink must also be placed inside
cabinet. A filter
must be used between trap and vacuum spigot to prevent migration of
contaminants into vacuum line or pump.
- Avoid frequent and rapid arm movement in and
out of cabinet,
to prevent disrupting airflow and bringing contaminants out to the lab.
- Always keep spill absorbent towels and
decontaminating solution close by or in the cabinet.
- Prevent extended reaching, place materials as
close as possible.
- Perform your work at least 6" back into the
hood or
BSC to maintain optimal airflow containment for material and personal
protection.
- Always assume a proper posture. Use only
adjustable chair or stool with built-in foot and armrest.
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