Caution: Biosafety cabinets look similar to chemical fume hoods and "clean benches." If you work with biohazard material, make sure you're using a biosafety cabinet.

Do not use fume hoods or clean benches for biohazard materials work. Fume hoods are designed for work with chemicals. Clean benches are intended to protect the research product, not the worker.

Purchase recommendation: Several kinds of BSCs are available, divided into classes (I, II, and III) and types (A, B, C). Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) recommends departments purchase Class II, Type A2 cabinets.

• Class II cabinets are designed to protect the research material as well as the worker and the environment. Both the supply air and the exhaust pass through a HEPA filter. There are 4 types of Class II cabinets.
• Class II Type A2 cabinets (formerly labeled Type A/ B3) have a number of design features that make them more useful in research laboratories than other Class II cabinets. Also, if a Type A2 cabinet is vented to the building exhaust system via a properly functioning canopy (thimble) connection, it can be used with minute amounts of toxic chemicals.

Note: Class I and Class III cabinets are rarely used at UCSD. Class I cabinets do not protect the research material, and Class III cabinets (also called glove boxes) are completely contained cabinets that require workers to wear arm-length gloves attached to a front panel. Contact EH&S Biosafety if your department needs one of these varieties.

Certification: The certification process ensures that the BSC is working as designed. Annual recertification is required for all BSCs used for work with biohazards. UCSD has a preferred vendor for certification and maintenance. Read Biosafety Cabinet Certification, Maintenance, and Service for details and contact information. Arrange for service well in advance.

Moving: BSCs must be gas-decontaminated by a certified professional prior to moving. Contact the UC-approved vendor to arrange this service.

Installation: Choose a location away from pedestrian traffic, doors, and air currents generated by room ventilation — all of which can disrupt airflow. Because even small moves can disturb the HEPA filter, the cabinet must be recertified after installation at the new location.

For more information about biosafety cabinets, see Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are a UC San Diego employee with questions, contact EH&S Biosafety, (858) 534-5366.