How to use biosafety cabinets

Thoroughly understand procedures and equipment required before beginning work.
Minimize disruptions, such as room traffic or entry into the room, while the cabinet is in use.

Turn off the UV light if in use. Ensure that the sash is set in the correct operating position.
Turn on the fluorescent light and cabinet blower.
Check the return air grilles, especially in the back of the workspace, for obstructions, and note the pressure gauge reading.
Allow the cabinet to operate unobstructed for at least fifteen minutes.
Wash hands and arms thoroughly with soap.
Wear a long-sleeved lab coat with knit cuffs and over-the-cuff gloves.

Wipe down the interior surfaces of the cabinet with 10% bleach, followed by 70% ethanol after 5 to 10 minutes to prevent pitting of the stainless steel, and allow to dry.

Load only the materials required for the procedure. Do not overload the cabinet.
Do not obstruct the front, side, or rear return air grilles.
Large objects should not be placed close together. After loading the cabinet, wait two to three minutes to purge airborne contaminants from the work area.

Keep all materials at least ten centimeters inside the sash, and perform all operations with contaminated material as far to the rear of the work area as possible.
Segregate all clean and contaminated materials in the work area and arrange materials to minimize the movement of contaminated materials into clean areas.
Keep all discarded, contaminated material to the rear of the cabinet.
Avoid moving materials or excessive motion of the operator’s hands and arms through the front access opening during use.
Open flames SHOULD NOT be used.
Use proper aseptic technique.
Avoid using techniques or procedures that disrupt the air flow pattern of the cabinet.
If there is a spill or splatter during use, all objects in the cabinet should be surface-decontaminated before removal. Thoroughly disinfect the work surfaces of the cabinet while it is still on. This will prevent the release of contaminants from the cabinet.

When work is completed, the cabinet should be allowed to operate for three to five minutes undisturbed to purge airborne contaminants from the work area.

Disposable contaminated objects, including gloves, should be placed in disposal pans or autoclave bags inside the BSC after use.
Reusable objects in contact with contaminated material should be surface-decontaminated before removal from the cabinet.
All open trays or containers should be covered before being removed from the cabinet.

Wipe down the interior surfaces of the cabinet with 10% bleach or another EPA-registered disinfectant, followed by 70% ethanol 10 minutes later, to prevent pitting of the stainless steel, and allow to dry.

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