Working Safely in your Biological Safety Cabinets: Dealing with Spills | Esco Scientific

Summary

This video script outlines the proper use of biosafety cabinets in laboratories to protect workers and the environment from pathogens. It covers cabinet placement, operation, maintenance, and annual recertification. Emphasizes the importance of personal protective equipment, risk assessment, and proper handling of materials within the cabinet. Provides detailed steps for pre-work preparation, during-work procedures, and post-work cleanup, including the use of disinfectants and UV light for decontamination.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ A biosafety cabinet (BSC) is a primary means of protection for laboratory workers and the environment from pathogens.
• 💨 All exhaust air from a BSC is HEPA filtered to remove harmful bacteria and viruses.
• 📏 Proper placement of a BSC is critical, with specific distances required from walls, furniture, and foot traffic.
• 🚫 Do not use the BSC if alarms are triggered, and avoid stacking objects on top of it.
• ⛔ BSCs should not be used for agents of extreme hazard like toxic, flammable, or explosive materials.
• 🔄 Biosafety cabinets must be recertified annually to ensure they are working within safety parameters.
• 👥 Most BSCs are designed for one operator to prevent disruption of the air curtain and contamination.
• 🧑‍🔬 Only trained operators should use the BSC to ensure proper technique and safety.
• 🧫 BSCs are essential for procedures that generate infectious aerosols or require a sterile environment.
• 🧤 Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial depending on the risk assessment and should be worn appropriately.
• 🧼 Before starting work, hands must be washed thoroughly, and the BSC area should be disinfected to prevent contamination.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a biosafety cabinet?

The primary purpose of a biosafety cabinet is to protect laboratory workers and the surrounding environment from pathogens by serving as the primary means of containment for materials potentially contaminated with harmful microorganisms.

How is the exhaust air treated in a biosafety cabinet?

All exhaust air from a biosafety cabinet is HEPA filtered, which removes harmful bacteria and viruses before the air is released.

What is the recommended space requirement for a biosafety cabinet?

A biosafety cabinet should have at least 30 centimeters (1 foot) of space on its sides, 2 meters (7 feet) of space in front, and varying distances from other furniture or equipment depending on its size and type.

Why is it important to keep a safe distance from doors or apertures when placing a biosafety cabinet?

The biosafety cabinet should be placed at least one and a half meters (6 feet) away from opening doors or any other apertures to prevent interference with the cabinet's airflow, which could compromise its performance.

What should be done if the alarms in a biosafety cabinet are triggered?

If the alarms are triggered, one should not use the cabinet and should address the issue immediately to ensure safety.

Why is it advised not to stack boxes or objects on top of a biosafety cabinet?

Stacking boxes or objects on top of a biosafety cabinet can damage the exhaust and disrupt the airflow, which is critical for its operation.

How often should a biosafety cabinet be recertified?

A biosafety cabinet needs to be recertified annually to ensure it is working within the safety parameters.

Who should operate a biosafety cabinet?

Only trained operators should operate a biosafety cabinet to ensure proper use and safety.

What types of procedures can be safely performed in a biosafety cabinet?

Procedures that generate infectious aerosols or require a sterile environment with non-turbulent airflow can be safely performed in a biosafety cabinet.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when working in a biosafety cabinet?

Depending on the risk assessment, appropriate PPE may include gloves, respirators, goggles, or a face shield, along with a lab coat or a solid-front gown for higher risk work.

How should one prepare the biosafety cabinet before starting work?

Before starting work, one should ensure the cabinet is clear of obstructions, start the cabinet to purge for 3-5 minutes, adjust the chair height for visibility and protection, and wipe down the interior with a disinfectant.

How should materials be organized within the work zone of a biosafety cabinet?

The work zone should be divided into clean, working, and contaminated areas to minimize cross-contamination, with waste containers in the contaminated area, working equipment and specimens in the working area, and supplies in the clean area.