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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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