The biological safety cabinets supplied by us at Contained Air Solutions Ltd (CAS) are designed to protect both the user and the environment from biohazards. However, it is essential the correct procedures and practices are followed, and that the operator understands a class II laminar flow hood is only one aspect of biosafety. Good microbiological practices must be used at all times, and in all areas of the clean room.
Biological safety cabinets are primary containment devices, with class I and II cabinets offering partial containment, and class III cabinets offering total containment against biohazardous materials. Class II and III cabinets also protect the products within the cabinet from contamination. It is important to realise not all laminar flow hood models are classified for use with biohazards. In particular, horizontal clean benches, which direct the air flow towards the operator, must never be used for handling toxic or sensitising substances.
Biological safety cabinets have been continually refined over the years, so that workers handling harmful aerosols and infectious cultures have a high degree of protection. There has also been an increasing need to protect work in progress from contamination, for example in the microtechnology field. As with all laminar flow hood models, biological safety cabinets utilise High Efficiency Particulate Air(HEPA) filters, in either the exhaust, the supply system or both, to protect the user and products within the booth from aerosol and particulate contamination. By containing and isolating the work within the cabinet, the environment is also protected.
In order for a laminar flow hood to work effectively, it’s essential personnel are trained correctly in its use and maintenance, and that the cabinet is only used for its correct purpose. At this stage, it must be emphasised that biological safety cabinets are not fume cupboards, though they share certain characteristics. Their function is to provide containment where infectious aerosols or splashes might be generated. Such procedures include grinding, blending, centrifuging, opening vials, inoculating animals intranasally and harvesting infected tissues.
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