Proper operation of a biological safety cabinet is crucial to prevent contamination of your product, protect workers from exposure to infectious organisms and other hazards, and to protect the environment.
Basic Overview: A correctly used biological safety cabinet draws room air through the front grill, creating a protective barrier. This air mixes with the recirculating air and passes through a HEPA filter, flowing downward to maintain a contamination-free work zone.
Here we will go over the basic guidelines
Placement & Setup Of Your Biological Safety Cabinet
Choose a location that is not high traffic. People walking by in close proximity could cause a cross draft that could affect the functionality of the BSC.
Choose a location that is not near doors or Items that have doors. This includes entrances, refrigerators, incubators, and other similar items.
Choose a location that is not near a supply vent, as a cross draft could be created.
There are many factors that should be considered when choosing the placement of your BSC. If you would like assistance in the matter, ILS is happy to provide you with a site assessment consultation. We can be reached by email info@innovalabservices.com or by phone at (978) 764-0543.
Use Your BSC As It Was Intended To Be Used
Not all BSCs are created equally. Therefore, our first recommendation is to review the manufacturer user manual to ensure that you are using your BSC as it was intended to be used.
Have Your BSC Certified
Once Your Biosafety Cabinet has been setup, you must have a trained professional certify the unit before you can use it. Whether your BSC is new or used, this must be done, anytime the unit is moved or repaired.
Your certifier should perform the following test per NSF-49 guidelines:
Inflow Velocity Test
Downflow Velocity Test
HEPA Filter Leak Test
Smoke Pattern Test
Site Assessment Test
PPE & Equipment Placement
Make sure that you and your team are wearing the appropriate PPE ( gloves, masks, lab coats, etc). If you are not sure what you should be using, consult your lab manager, as they will have done a risk assessment and should have an SOP in place.
Keep only necessary equipment or supplies inside the BSC. Perform a surface decon on all equipment and supplies that will be entering into the cabinet.
Keep clean equipment and supplies on one side of the BSC.
Startup Procedures
If UV lights are on, turn them off.
Turn the blower and lights on and allow the BSC to run for 3-5 minutes before beginning any work.
Check that your alarms are working properly.
Operating Procedures
Make sure your sash is open to the manufacturer set height and that the UV lights have been turned off.
Avoid rapid movements that can disrupt the airflow.
Try to move straight in and out of the cabinet.
Make sure you are not blocking the front or rear grills.
Work at least 4" in from the beginning of the work surface.
Shutdown Procedures
Decontaminate and remove all items from inside of the unit.
Perform a surface decontamination on interior surfaces with a disinfectant appropriate for the media being worked on. ***Check with your lab manager if you are unsure.
Allow 5 minutes of operation to purge the system.
Turn off the blower.
Close door. Turn on ultraviolet sterilizer ( If available).
If you have any questions related to the proper handling of your BSC, we are happy to assist you. If you require an on-site visit, we service techs cover all of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
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