Installation and Maintenance of Biosafety Cabinets as per the O&M guidelines
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A biosafety cabinet (BSC), also known as a biological safety cabinet or microbiological safety cabinet, is a specialized containment device used in laboratories to provide a safe working environment when handling hazardous biological materials. Biosafety cabinets are designed to protect both the operator and the surrounding environment from potential contamination, ensuring the safe handling of biological agents.
Here are the key features and components of a biosafety cabinet:
Enclosed WorkspaceBiosafety cabinets consist of a fully enclosed workspace with transparent front and sides made of safety glass or acrylic material. The workspace provides a physical barrier between the operator and the biological materials being manipulated, preventing the release of airborne particles and minimizing the risk of exposure.
Airflow and Ventilation
Biosafety cabinets operate on the principle of controlled airflow to maintain a sterile working environment. The cabinets use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to filter incoming air and exhaust air, ensuring that potentially hazardous particles are captured and removed. The airflow within the cabinet is typically unidirectional, preventing the escape of airborne contaminants.
Safety Classes
Biosafety cabinets are classified into different classes based on the level of protection they provide. The most common classes are Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class II cabinets are further divided into Types A1, A2, B1, B2, and C. Each class/type offers specific levels of protection and is suitable for different types of biological materials and experiments
HEPA Filtration
Biosafety cabinets are equipped with HEPA filters that capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with high efficiency. These filters remove microorganisms and particulate matter from the air entering and exiting the cabinet, ensuring a clean and sterile working environment.
