Biological Safety Cabinets

Biohazard Cabinets are self-contained laboratory enclosures that provide protection for personnel, the environment and/or products in work with hazardous microorganisms. Cabinets provide protection by creating an air barrier at the work opening and by HEPA filtration of exhaust air. Class I cabinets protect personnel and the environment, however Class II laminar flow cabinets protect personnel, the environment and products.

Exposure to aerosols that are produced from common laboratory procedures are responsible for many of the infections acquired in microbiological laboratories. Testing is essential to ensure that the cabinets are working correctly to prevent the liberation of microorganisms and other biologically hazardous material from the laboratory into the environment.

WHAT TO CHECK?

Typical tests performed to certify a BSC, as per AS 2252.1 (2002 - BSC Class I) AS 2252.2 (2009 - BSC Class II) AS 2252.3 (2011 - BSC Class III):

• Air velocity and uniformity in the work zone.
• Work zone integrity.
• HEPA filter installation integrity.
• Air barrier containment (only Class II).
• Inward air velocity (only Class I)
• Noise level.
• Illuminance.
• Alarm operational check (if applicable).
• Intensity of UV radiation (if applicable).