How to use Biosafety cabinet in Lab
More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates noted that “there are many handicrafts and arts which cause those who exercise them certain pains and plagues”.1 He was probably thinking of miners rather than lab personnel, but recent statistics show that, even today, the risk of contracting certain infectious diseases is much higher in laboratories than elsewhere. Among lab technicians, for example, the incidence of brucellosis (a zoonotic infection caused by Brucella spp.) is about 8,000 times higher than in the general population (641 cases per 100,000, compared to 0.08 per 100,000).2 Various safety measures have been developed to protect lab staff, including the use of biosafety cabinets (BSCs). However, like most safety equipment, a BSC is only safe if it’s used correctly. Read the tips below to learn what to keep an eye on before, during and after your experiment to keep yourself and others safe.
Understand how your BSC works
Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are critical tools for safely working with hazardous biological materials, microorganisms, and infectious agents. They create a controlled environment to prevent the spread of pathogens and protect laboratory personnel, the surrounding environment, and the public.
HEPA Filters:
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters play a crucial role in removing airborne contaminants from the air entering and exiting the BSC. These filters are extremely efficient, capturing 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in diameter and greater. This ensures that even the smallest pathogens are effectively removed from the air, preventing exposure to workers and the surrounding environment.
Work Surface and Barriers:
The work surface of a BSC is typically made of a non-porous, easy-to-clean material, such as stainless steel or a synthetic resin. This surface provides a secure area for handling hazardous materials and prevents them from being released into the cabinet. Additionally, some BSCs have additional barriers, such as gloves or sleeves, that further isolate the work area and prevent contact with hazardous materials.
Before experiment
Good preparation is half the battle. Before you start an experiment, make sure you understand the working principle and limitations of your BSC, know how to decontaminate and set it up correctly, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Wear personal protective equipment
Always put on appropriate PPE before beginning work in a BSC. When working with biosafety level (BSL) 1 or 2 agents, a front-buttoned lab coat is sufficient, but for BSL-3 and -4 agents, a solid front, back-closing lab gown is advised (if you're not working in a suit lab anyway). For BSL-3/4, you also need to wear gloves that are pulled over the wrists of the lab coat or gown, and it is recommended that you wear a mask and safety glasses
Maintaining and Using Biosafety Cabinets:
To keep your biosafety cabinet running smoothly, it's crucial to have it properly maintained and used. Have your Class II cabinet certified regularly to ensure it follows the NSF/ANSI Standard #49-2009, which ensures both the safety of the user and the sterility of the work. Refer to the "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition" by the CDC and NIH, which is an excellent resource for understanding the unique features of your cabinet. In terms of routine maintenance, it's essential to get your Class II BSC field certified at least once a year.
Contact Across International for Your Biosafety Cabinet Today for further details and your needs. Additionally, it's crucial to have the biosafety cabinet certified regularly and conduct routine maintenance to ensure it's running properly. Contact us for NSF49 Certified BSC Equipment, we also offer the calibration service for more laboratory equipment.
