Biological Safety Cabinet Class 2

A Class II biological safety cabinet (BSC) is a type of enclosed, ventilated workspace designed to provide primary containment of hazardous biological materials and protect the user from exposure to these materials. Class II BSCs are designed for work involving moderate-risk biological materials, such as those that may cause serious or potentially lethal infections. They are typically used in clinical laboratories, research facilities, and other settings where there is a need to handle hazardous biological materials safely.

Class II BSCs create a negative pressure environment within the cabinet, which draws air into the cabinet from the surrounding room. The drawn air is then passed through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes hazardous particles from the air. The filtered air is then recirculated back into the cabinet, providing a clean and safe working environment for the user. Class II BSCs also incorporate a downflow of HEPA-filtered air, which helps to protect the user from exposure to hazardous biological materials that may be released into the air during manipulation.

Class II BSCs are classified into two types: Type A and Type B. Type A BSCs are designed for work with materials that have a low to moderate risk of infection, such as blood and bodily fluids. Type B BSCs are designed for work with materials that have a higher risk of infection, such as viruses and bacteria. Type B BSCs incorporate a higher level of air filtration and exhaust than Type A BSCs, and they are designed to provide a higher level of protection for the user.

Class II BSCs are an essential tool for safely handling hazardous biological materials. They are used in a variety of settings, including clinical laboratories, research facilities, and other settings where there is a need to handle hazardous biological materials safely.

Operation of a Class II BSC

To operate a Class II BSC, the following steps must be followed:

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses.
Turn on the BSC and allow it to run for at least 10 minutes before beginning work. This will allow the BSC to purge the air of any contaminants.
Place the hazardous biological materials within the work area of the BSC. Do not place anything in the BSC that is not essential for the work being performed.
Keep the sash of the BSC closed as much as possible. Only open the sash to access the work area.
Use aseptic technique when manipulating hazardous biological materials within the BSC.
Decontaminate the work area of the BSC before and after use. This can be done by wiping down the work area with a disinfectant.
Turn off the BSC when finished working.

Maintenance of a Class II BSC

Class II BSCs require regular maintenance to ensure that they are operating properly and providing the necessary level of protection for the user. Maintenance tasks include:

Regularly checking the HEPA filters and replacing them when necessary.
Cleaning and disinfecting the work area of the BSC.
Calibrating the BSC to ensure that the airflow is operating properly.

Conclusion

Class II biological safety cabinets are an essential tool for safely handling hazardous biological materials. They are used in a variety of settings, including clinical laboratories, research facilities, and other settings where there is a need to handle hazardous biological materials safely. By following the proper operating and maintenance procedures, Class II BSCs can help to protect users from exposure to hazardous biological materials and minimize the risk of infection.