Webinar: An Introduction to Biosafety Cabinets and Their Proper Placement in Laboratories

Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are critical pieces of equipment for laboratories handling biological materials and materials requiring aseptic technique, but biosafety cabinet selection is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different classes and types of BSCs exist that offer different levels of protection for the user, the product, and the environment and different abilities to safely remove hazardous chemical vapors. Since diverse laboratory users have specific programmatic needs, a risk assessment must be conducted by knowledgeable individuals to identify the appropriate risk mitigation measures that should be employed in their laboratory to control exposure to biological hazards, including the selection and use of a specific kind of biosafety cabinet. Once a class/type of BSC is selected, its safe and effective operation is dependent on appropriate laboratory technique by the user and its ability to maintain adequate, undisrupted airflow. The placement of a BSC away from sources of air disturbances (windows, doors, HVAC vents),…