Well, you have decided to buy a new biosafety cabinet. Or you have an existing BSC in your lab. Are you not excited to conduct your microbiological experiments?
But wait. Are you sure you're working safely in your biological safety cabinet?
Here is Part 1 of this blog series to guide you in working safely in your BSC.
1. Do not confuse Laminar Flow Cabinets with Biosafety Cabinets. Yes, they look similar. But remember, laminar flow cabinets only protect samples inside the work zone from external airborne contamination. They do not protect the operator. Moreover, it is really difficult to determine a Class II BSC from a Vertical Laminar Flow Cabinet.
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| Photo credits: http://www.escoglobal.com/ |
So how will you determine a BSC is a BSC and not Laminar Flow Cabinet then?
Here are a few tips.
a. Class II Biosafety Cabinets always have a front sash (either hinged or sliding). A laminar flow cabinet may or may not have a front cover, but a BSC always has one.
b. Front grilles. Operator and product protection is created by the air curtain from both the inflow and downflow that goes into the front air grille. Class II BSCs have front air grilles, while laminar flow cabinets don't.
c. Biohazard symbol. I know this sounds silly, but have you seen a laminar flow cabinet with a biohazard sticker on it? Well, a biohazard sticker is only attached to biosafety cabinets and not laminar flow cabinets. You know why? Because BSCs provide operator protection against biohazards.
Do not rely entirely on the physical differences since different models and brands for BSCs and Laminar Flow Cabinets have different design and features.
2. Do not use the cabinet for agents of extreme hazard. The suitability of BSCs for your application should be ascertained by an industrial hygienist or your safety officer. Do not use the BSC with any toxic flammable or explosive materials. Take note that volatile or toxic chemicals should not be used in BSCs that recirculate exhaust air to the room.
3. Do not operate the cabinet if any of the alarms are activated. BSCs can be equipped with one of two kinds of alarms.
a. Sash alarms are found only on cabinets
with sliding sashes. The alarm signifies that the operator has moved the sash
to an improper position. Corrective action for this type of alarm is returning
the sash to the proper position.
b. Airflow alarms indicate a disruption in
the cabinet’s normal airflow pattern. This represents an immediate danger to
the operator or product. When an airflow alarm sounds, work should cease
immediately and the laboratory supervisor should be notified.
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| Photo credits: http://www.dewa.com/ |
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