Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC): Safe Use of a BSC

Summary

This video guide provides essential steps for safely working in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC). It covers preparation and decontamination processes, the proper arrangement of materials, and the importance of maintaining airflow by not obstructing grilles. The guide emphasizes the clean-to-dirty principle for organizing supplies and waste, and outlines ergonomic practices, including the correct seating posture and arm positioning. It also includes important safety tips, such as the need for PPE, using foot support, and minimizing arm movements to avoid disrupting airflow. Additionally, proper handling of vacuum systems and waste disposal protocols is discussed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure PPE is worn appropriately for the work being performed.
• 😀 Line your immediate work area with absorbent plastic-backed material if required by your SOPs to prevent contamination and facilitate cleanup.
• 😀 Disinfect external surfaces of supplies before loading them into the BSC to minimize contamination risk.
• 😀 Limit the number of times you enter and exit the BSC by loading all necessary materials at the start of your work.
• 😀 Always have a biohazardous waste container, sharps container, paper towels, and wipes within reach.
• 😀 Use large autoclave pans only in BSCs that are 6 feet or larger; smaller BSCs require alternative waste containers.
• 😀 Follow the clean-to-dirty principle when arranging materials in the BSC, keeping clean items separate from waste and sharps.
• 😀 Ensure the front and rear grilles of the BSC remain unobstructed to maintain proper airflow.
• 😀 When working in the BSC, adjust your chair so that your face is above the opening and your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle.
• 😀 Only one person should work in the BSC at a time unless it is a 6' or larger BSC, and a risk assessment must be conducted for dual users.
• 😀 Minimize BSC entry and exit by moving arms in and out perpendicular to the opening to preserve airflow and safety.

Q & A

What should you do after completing decontamination, preparation, and checks of the BSC?

After completing decontamination, preparation, and checks of the BSC, you can begin your work while ensuring you wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Why is it important to line the immediate work area with absorbent plastic-backed material?

Lining the work area with absorbent plastic-backed material helps prevent contamination of the work surface and facilitates easier cleanup. This practice is determined by the risk assessment and SOPs.

What is the recommended practice before loading the BSC with supplies?

It is recommended to wipe the external surfaces of all necessary supplies with disinfectant before loading them into the BSC to reduce the introduction of outside contaminants.

Why should you minimize the number of times you enter and exit the BSC?

Minimizing the number of times you enter and exit the BSC helps maintain a stable airflow and reduces the risk of contamination or disruption in the cabinet's sterile environment.

What should be placed in a BSC and where?

Clean materials should be placed on one side of the BSC, while biological waste and sharps containers should be placed on the opposite, 'dirty' side. This follows the clean-to-dirty principle.

How should items be arranged in the BSC to avoid airflow disruption?

Items should be placed as far back in the BSC as possible without blocking the rear grille. This ensures that airflow is not disrupted and the sterile environment is maintained.

What is the recommended posture while working in a BSC?

You should be seated while working in the BSC, with your face above the opening and behind the glass. Your arms should be bent at a 90-degree angle at the elbow while inside the BSC.

What are the guidelines for two people working in the BSC at the same time?

If two people need to work in the BSC simultaneously, the BSC must be at least 6 feet wide, and a risk assessment must be performed and documented to ensure safety.

What should be done to prevent ergonomic issues while working in the BSC?

To avoid ergonomic issues, use a BSC with built-in armrests or supplement with an external armrest. Ensure that your arms remain at a 90-degree angle to prevent fatigue or injury.

What precaution should be taken when using a vacuum system in the BSC?

When using a vacuum system in the BSC, ensure the vacuum line is protected by using a HEPA filter and capping any unused lines to prevent contamination and maintain safety.