Here are a few tips to ensure a safe workspace in your lab and BSC.
Before
- Look at the area where the BSC is located. Make sure there are no obstructions such as a door swinging into the room. Check the location of freezer or incubator, room supply vents, and flow of traffic, because all these things can affect the performance, containment, face velocity, and airflow of the BSC.
- Make sure your BSC is operating correctly. Check to make sure the wall outlet is accessible in case you need to unplug the unit quickly. Perform the following operational checks:
- Observe the control panel and make sure you know the function of each button.
- Push the blower button on and make sure the LED light below the blower button is also on.
- Raise and lower the sash to make sure the sensor alarm works. Red and white arrows will indicate proper sash height.
- Turn on the fluorescent lights. (Lights will on come on if motor is on).
- Check the outlets inside the BSC to make sure they are working. Outlets will only work if the outlet button has been turned on at the control panel.
- If you have a UV light, close the sash and turn on the light to check its power. (The UV light will only come on if the sash is completely closed. Opening the sash should automatically turn it off.)
- Return the sash to proper operating height (red and white arrows).
Now you are ready to work safely in the BSC:
During
- To avoid contamination always work from a clean side to dirty side. This could be from left to right or front to back.
- If possible, limit items inside the BSC.
- Never block the front or back grills with paper, clipboards or lab equipment. Unfiltered room air could flow over the work surface, contaminating the product or personnel.
- Anything placed inside the BSC becomes contaminated and should always be disinfected before taking it out of the BSC.
- Biohazard waste should be properly bagged inside the BSC to avoid any contamination spread.
- Open flames should never be used in a BSC.
After
When work is done for the day, all items in the BSC should be properly stored. The BSC should be cleaned and wiped down, and the sash completely closed while the motor is left on. Turn on the UV light if equipped.
By following these steps, your lab and BSC should be operating safely. If you have question, please send us an email at bscservices@fpm.wisc.edu, or visit our website at ehs.wisc.edu/labs-research/biological-safety/biological-safety-cabinets. If you need to request a service call, click on the Bio-Safety Cabinet Service icon to fill out the form.
by Tony McGrath
Tony McGrath is the Biocontainment Program Manager. He joined EH&S in 2018 and oversees the Biocontainment Program, including the Biocontainment Laboratory Services team and Biosafety Cabinet Program.
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