UCSD Blink: Biosafety Cabinet Usage Guidelines

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Biosafety Cabinet Usage Guidelines

Summary: Improper use of a biosafety cabinet can result in contaminated cultures and expose workers to infectious organisms. Follow these guidelines to safely conduct work in a biosafety cabinet.

Note: Many of these guidelines aim to preserve the delicate air barrier that protects both the work products and the person working in a Class II biosafety cabinet, the type commonly used at UCSD.

Checklist		What to look for
	Ensure proper airflow by observing these precautions.	When biosafety cabinets (BSC) are working properly, a curtain of room air enters the grill at the front edge of the work surface and acts as a protective barrier. The air mixes with the recirculating air stream and passes through a HEPA filter downward toward the work surface, creating a contamination-free zone. Because this system can be easily disturbed, the guidelines below warn against any actions that disrupt airflow. Don't use the top of the cabinet for storage. This can damage the HEPA filter and disrupt airflow. Keep only necessary equipment or supplies inside the BSC. Unnecessary objects can disrupt the cabinet’s airflow.
	Follow these procedures before beginning work.	At a minimum, wear the following personal protection equipment: Labcoat Gloves Safety glasses If the cabinet has an ultraviolet sterilizer, turn it off as soon as you enter the room. Caution: Never keep the ultraviolet light on when working at the cabinet. It can cause damage to your eyes. Turn on all blowers and cabinet illumination lights. Let the cabinet operate for about 5 minutes while you check the flow alarm system and visual alarm function (if applicable). Use an appropriate disinfectant to decontaminate the BSC's interior. Place all necessary materials in the cabinet before beginning work if possible. This decreases movements that could affect airflow.
	During use, follow these guidelines to ensure safe operation.	Avoid rapid movements in and out of the BSC or in areas near the BSC to avoid disrupting airflow. Minimize movement into or out of the BSC. Don't block the front grill or rear vents with your arms or other materials. Work at least 4 inches from the inside edge of the front vent. Don't use Bunsen burners inside a biosafety cabinet. Safer sterilization methods exist, such as touch-plate microburners equipped with a pilot light, small electric "furnaces," or pre-sterilized loops. Beware of fire hazards associated with vaporized ethanol and isopropanol disinfectants.
	After you finish working, leave the cabinet disinfected and ready for use.	Decontaminate all items inside the work area. Use an appropriate disinfectant to decontaminate the BSC's interior. Let the cabinet operate for about 5 minutes before turning off the blower. Turn on the ultraviolet germicidal light if the cabinet has one.