What to look for in a biosafety cabinet? 1. Ergonomic Design

We've talked about the cons of buying a non-certified biosafety cabinet. But have you asked yourself what are the specific features that you as the user should look for before buying a biological safety cabinet?

Well, this blog is the solution! I've identified several features that should be present in a biosafety cabinet. However, let's discuss it in series.

1. Ergonomic design. As defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, ergonomics is a science that deals with designing and arranging things so that people can use them easily and safely. Another definition states that ergonomics is "an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely".

Lighting, vibration, noise level, position and angle of the display and control panel are few of the things considered when buying a biosafety cabinet.

Photo credits from:
www.ors.od.nih.gov

When working with a biosafety cabinet, there are associated intrinsic risks which include:

• Poor working posture 
• Upper limb disorders
• Environment risks (space, lighting, temperature, vibration)
• Load (working with hazards)
• Other factors such as personal protective equipment
• Fatigue

It is necessary for a biosafety cabinet to have features that minimize operator fatigue. That is why, in order for a biosafety cabinet be certified to biosafety cabinet international standards, it must pass tests related to worker comfort and safety, such as:

1. Lighting intensity. To aid in minimizing cabinet operator's fatigue.
2. Vibration.To aid in minimizing cabinet operator's fatigue and to prevent damage to delicate tissue culture specimens. 
3. Noise level. To aid in minimizing cabinet operator's fatigue.
4. Electrical leakage, ground circuit resistance, and polarity tests. To minimize and prevent potential shock hazard.

Moreover, added ergonomic features of a biosafety cabinet include:

Photo credits from:
www.escoglobal.com

1. Position and angle of the display and control panel. A control panel located on the middle of the cabinet is easier to see and reach as compared to control panels located on either corner of the cabinet.
2. Position of the UV light. The UV light should not be on direct line of sight of the operator to avoid eye irritation.
3. Arm rest. The arm rest helps prevent grille blocking and achieve comfortable working posture.
4. Sloped window. The angled viewing window improves reach into the work area and prevents reflection. It also provides better operator visibility into the work zone.
5. Ergonomically designed chair. The chair provides adequate back support.
6. Foot rest. For individuals whose feet do not rest comfortably on the floor.

Remember, it is important for a biosafety cabinet to have features that minimize operator discomfort and fatigue. So before buying a biosafety cabinet, look for its ergonomic design.

References:

1. Esco. (2013) Factors to Consider When Selecting a Biosafety Cabinet. [Online]. [Accessed: 5th October 2015].
2. Garret, B. (2013) The culmination of biosafety cabinet human factors design. [Online] Available from: http://www.labconco.com/news/forhumans. [Accessed" 5th October 2015].
3. Merriam-Webster. (2015) Ergonomics. [Online] Available from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ergonomics. [Accessed: 5th October 2015].
4. National Institutes of Health. Ergonomics at Work. [Online]. Available from: http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndSafety/Ergonomics/atwork/Pages/default.aspx. [Accessed: 5th October 2015].
5. NSF International Standard/ American National Standard. (2008) NSF/ANSI 49 - 2008. Biosafety Cabinetry: Design, Construction, Performance, and Field Certification. [Online]. Available from: http://standards.nsf.org/apps/group_public/download.php/3604/NSF_49-08e-rep-watermarked.pdf. [Accessed: 5th October 2015].