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BIOSAFETY
CABINETS BIOSAFETY CABINETS
A biosafety cabinet (BSC) is
an enclosed, ventilated laboratory workspace for materials contaminated with pathogens requiring a defined biosafety level. LAMINAR FLOW BIOHAZARD FUME HOOD SAFETY CABINET CABINET
Three types of cabinets:
Fume hood ☞Removes toxic chemical ☞No HEPA filter 🡪 NOT for biohazard agents Laminar Flow Cabinet ☞Sample protection only; ☞Not for biohazard agents or chemical fumes Biologic Safety Cabinets (BSCs) Basic Principle of Biologic Safety Cabinets: “CONTAINMENT” ✔ A continuous stream of inward air (“inflow”) prevents aerosols from escaping through the front opening (PERSONNEL PROTECTION); ✔ The exhaust air is HEPA-filtered w/c is released into the “containment zone” (SAMPLE PROTECTION) or into the outside atmosphere (ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION); 1.) Dirty room air is drawn into the front of the cabinet and mixes with the contaminated air in the chamber; 2.) contaminated air is pushed below the work surface; 3.) contaminated air is drawn up to the plenum; 4.) contaminated air is pushed through the HEPA filters by cabinet blower motor; 5.) 30% of HEPA filtered air leaves top of cabinet and recirculate into the room or is removed by canopy exhaust; 6.) 70% of HEPA filtered air enters cabinet from above and flows down on work surfaces; Filters: “the HEART of BSC” ☞HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) ☞MFE of 99.99% against airborne particles 0.3 microns in size;
☞ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air)
☞MFE of 99.99% against airborne particles 0.12 microns in size; Filters: Biologic Safety Cabinets (BSCs) • Class I • Class II – most common type used in Microbiology Lab • Class III BSC Class I ✔ Provide personnel and environmental protection but no product protection.
✔ Suitable for work with infectious agents
assigned in BSL 1, 2 &3; BSC Class I ✔ The inward flow of air can contribute to contamination of samples (no front inlet grille).
✔ Sample/ specimens in the cabinet come
into contact with airborne contaminants in room air; ✔ Provides protection for operator, BSC Class II environment and samples; ✔ Suitable for microorganisms assigned in BSL 1,2 &3; ✔ Inflow flows through the front inlet grille near the operator; ✔ None of the unfiltered inflow air enters the work zone; BSC Class III ✔ Installed in maximum containment laboratories
✔ Gloves attached to the front
prevent direct contact with hazardous materials.
✔ Provides highest level of
personnel protection AREAS TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING LOCATION OF BSC ❖ HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS ❖ DOORS ❖ OPEN WINDOWS ❖ ROOM AIR ❖ LARGE EQUIPMENT GENERATING HEAT