Biological safety cabinets (BSC) will provide both product and operator protection, this is achieved by recirculating HEPA-filtered air within the cabinet as well as providing an inflow at the face opening.
Biological safety cabinets are specifically designed for the handling of samples that present a biological hazard.
Design Features & Performance Criteria
- A bio-safety cabinet is not suitable for chemical synthesis.
- The filter efficiency must be tested in accordance with BSEN1822 (DOP) in order to determine a minimum extract filtration efficiency of 99.995% at 0.3 microns.
- The actual fume hood performance must be in accordance with EN 12469 as a minimum requirement.
- An audible and visual airflow alarm must be installed to monitor airflow performance.
- Handling of some cytotoxic drugs can be carried out in a Class II BSC provided it performs as a minimum to EN12469, and that it has a double HEPA exhaust system.
Positioning of Biological Safety Cabinets
The same criteria apply for a BSC as do for a fixed fume hood System. Incorrect positioning will affect the containment performance of any open faced containment system.