Introduction to Biological Safety Cabinet

Summary

This video script explains the differences between various laboratory equipment like clean benches, fume hoods, isolators, and biological safety cabinets (BSC). It highlights the unique functions of each, emphasizing BSC's role in protecting personnel, products, and the environment from biological hazards. The script also covers the three types of BSCs and their specific uses, stressing the importance of annual certification and maintenance.

Takeaways

• 🔬 **Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC)** are crucial for minimizing exposure to biological agents and toxins in labs.
• 🛠 **Types of Equipment**: Clean benches, fume hoods, isolators, and BSCs are different types of inhalation equipment used in labs.
• 💨 **Clean Bench**: Designed for product protection, not suitable for chemicals or biologicals, uses HEPA filters.
• 🔥 **Fume Hood**: Protects personnel from toxic chemical vapors, not suitable for biological agents.
• 🧪 **Isolator**: Enclosed system with physical barriers for aseptic preparation or hazardous material protection.
• 🛡️ **BSC Functions**: Provides product, personnel, and environmental protection with HEPA filters and controlled airflow.
• 🌐 **Airflow in BSC**: Maintains a laminar flow to prevent cross-contamination and protect the work area.
• 🌬️ **Personnel Protection**: Airflow creates an air curtain to protect workers from biological hazards.
• 🌍 **Environmental Protection**: BSC exhaust air is filtered through HEPA filters to prevent environmental contamination.
• 📚 **BSC Classification**: Class 1 provides personnel and environmental protection, Class 2 offers all three types of protection.
• 🔄 **Class 2 Subtypes**: A1, A2, B1, and B2, each with different airflow velocities and exhaust configurations.
• 🛠️ **Maintenance**: BSCs require annual certification tests and maintenance after installation, filter changes, or relocation.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a clean bench?

A clean bench is designed for product protection. It does not protect the environment or personnel and should not be used when working with biological agents or chemicals. It uses HEPA filters to circulate air away from the worker to protect products such as microprocessors.

How does a fume hood protect personnel?

A fume hood is a ventilation system designed to protect personnel from volatile toxic chemical vapors and flammable chemicals. It works by drawing air in from the front and expelling it outside the building where it is mixed with fresh air.

What is the main difference between a clean bench and a fume hood?

A clean bench is designed for product protection and uses air directed across the workspace toward the worker, while a fume hood is designed to protect personnel from toxic chemical vapors and flammable chemicals by drawing air from the front and expelling it outside.

What types of isolators are there and what do they protect?

There are positive and negative pressure isolators. Positive pressure isolators are used for aseptic preparation of pharmaceutical products, while negative pressure isolators protect the operator from hazardous materials.

What is the primary function of a biological safety cabinet (BSC)?

A BSC is used in laboratories to minimize the exposure of laboratory personnel to aerosols or droplets while working with infectious agents and toxins. It provides protection for the product, personnel, and environment.

How does a BSC ensure product protection?

BSC ensures product protection through the downward flow of HEPA filtered air across the work surface in a single direction at a constant speed, creating an air curtain to prevent cross-contamination.

What types of protection does a BSC provide?

A BSC provides three types of protection: product protection, personnel protection, and environmental protection.

What are the three types of biological safety cabinets?

There are three types of biological safety cabinets: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I offers personnel and environmental protection but not product protection. Class II is the most commonly used and provides all three types of protection.

What are the subtypes of Class II BSC and their specific features?

Class II BSC has four subtypes: A1, A2, B1, and B2. A1 has a minimum inflow air velocity of 75 ft per minute with 30% exhaust and 70% recirculation. A2 has similar features but with negative pressure containment. B1 has a minimum inflow velocity of 100 ft per minute with 70% exhaust and 30% recirculation, and B2 has 100% exhaust with no recirculation.

Why is it important to certify BSCs annually?

Annual certification of BSCs ensures that the cabinets are functioning correctly and maintaining the necessary safety standards to protect personnel, products, and the environment.

What maintenance is required for BSCs?

BSCs require certification tests at the time of installation and at least annually, or whenever HEPA filters are changed, maintenance or repairs are made to internal parts, or when the cabinets have been moved.