BSC Best Practices: Protect Yourself, Your Samples, and Your Lab
A Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) is the primary engineering control used to protect personnel, products, and the laboratory environment from exposure to biological hazards.
The cabinet's inward airflow creates a protective air barrier that helps prevent the release of aerosols and contaminants into the laboratory, while the downward HEPA-filtered airflow protects samples from contamination within the work area.
Following proper BSC practices is essential to maintaining these protective airflow patterns. Below are key Do's and Don'ts for safe and effective Biological Safety Cabinet operation.
Biological Safety Cabinets only provide protection when they are used correctly. Improper work practices can disrupt airflow patterns and reduce the cabinet's ability to protect personnel, products, and the environment.
All laboratory personnel should be trained in biosafety principles and follow clearly documented operating procedures available within the laboratory.
To maintain proper airflow:
- Move arms slowly when entering or exiting the cabinet.
- Keep arms perpendicular to the front opening whenever possible.
- After placing hands and materials inside the cabinet, wait approximately 2 minutes before beginning work to allow airflow to stabilize.
- Minimize rapid arm movements during operation.
- Place all required materials inside the cabinet before starting work to reduce unnecessary disruptions to airflow.
Small changes in technique can have a significant impact on cabinet performance and laboratory safety.
