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BC4 - BC6 Baker
BC4 - BC6 Baker
BC4 - BC6 Baker
Baker BiochemGARD
This manual contains information regarding installation, operation, maintenance and spare parts.
We recommend that it be kept near the cabinet for ready reference by both operators and
maintenance personnel.
August, 1990 Rev. 2
THE BAKER COMPANY
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the growing number of customers who own and operate Baker biological safety
cabinets. Because Baker people are the inventors of the laminar flow biological safety cabinet and the leaders in the
field, we take special pride in providing containment cabinetry which is designed for maximum protection along
with optimum performance.
Your new BiochemGARD with AirGARD has a number of remarkable features. Since both the downflow and intake
air are totally exhausted from the cabinet, with no recirculation, this cabinet can be useful for work which
generates chemical vapors and gases. This represents a significant design advance, and has been proven by
extensive biological aerosol testing as well as gaseous evaluations. Your cabinet delivers an extra measure of
protection because all plenums and sidewalls containing contaminated air are under negative pressure, and the
cabinet’s work area is totally surrounded by negative pressure areas.
You will find your BiochemGARD cabinet suitable for use with biological agents treated with toxic chemicals and
radio-nuclides required as an adjunct to microbiological studies as described by National Sanitation Foundation
#49. Your cabinet can also be used with I.V. drug preparations and other pharmaceuticals which could have
adverse health effects on operators, and with clinical diagnostic work involving tissue culturing of possibly
infectious patient samples, and other techniques requiring a contamination-free atmosphere.
Please note that all open-front containment cabinets, including this one, are for use with low to moderate risk
agents only. Open-front cabinets do not provide absolute protection for the user. The adequacy of a cabinet for user
safety should be determined on-site by an industrial hygienist, safety officer or other qualified person. Remember
that you, the owner and user, are ultimately responsible, and that you use your cabinet at your own risk.
Built to exceed all requirements of NSF Standard No. 49, your BiochemGARD has many unusual Baker features to
give you superior performance, simpler maintenance and lower life-cycle cost. It is designed for both safety and
value.
We recommend that this manual with factory test report be kept near the cabinet for convenient reference by
operators and qualified maintenance personnel. If you have any questions about the use or care of your new
BiochemGARD cabinet, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department on 1-800-992-2537 for
assistance.
Sincerely,
Dennis Eagleson
President
The Baker Company, Inc.
P.O. Drawer E, Sanford, Maine 04073 _ (207) 324-8773 _ 1-800-992-2537 _ FAX (207) 324-3869
"Creating immaculate atmospheres"
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION PAGE
I FUNCTION AND DESCRIPTION
How the airflow work ...................................................................................................................... 4
The total-exhaust cabinet ................................................................................................................. 4
Airflow diagram (FIGURE 1) .......................................................................................................... 5
Additional safety features .......................................................................... 6
Access to the work area.................................................................................................................... 6
Design details ................................................................................................................................... 6
Electrical specifications.................................................................................................................... 7
Exhaust requirements................................................................................ 7
The AirGARD warning system........................................................................................................ 7
APPENDIX
Glossary of terms ........................................................................................................................... 22
Bibliography for this manual ............................................................... 23-25
Procedures for using ancillary equipment ...................................................................................... 26
The HEPA filter ............................................................................................................................. 27
Replacement parts list .................................................................................................................... 28
Unit drawing showing exhaust connection (FIGURE 2) ........................... 29
Unit drawing, exhaust transition (FIGURE 3) ............................................................................... 30
Unit drawing, exhaust transition option (FIGURE 4) .................................................................... 31
Exhaust HEPA filter box (option) (FIGURE 5)............................................................................. 32
Blower/motor curve (FIGURE 6).............................................................. 33
Wiring diagram (FIGURE 7) ......................................................................................................... 34
Purchase specification .................................................................................................................... 35
Warranty......................................................................................................................................... 36
I — FUNCTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOCHEMGARD CABINET
Your BiochemGARD is a Class II, Type B2, 100%-exhaust biological safety cabinet of original
design. It features vertical zoned airflow and a front access opening. Because of its advanced
design, it protects not only the environment and the people using the cabinet, but also the
product within from airborne particulates. Its 100%-exhaust design features HEPA (high
efficiency particulate arrestance) filtration. A HEPA supply filter is standard with this cabinet,
while a HEPA exhaust filter is optional. The BiochemGARD is especially suitable for
microbiological applications requiring a particulate-free work area with minimal amounts of
toxic chemicals present.
How the airflow works the laboratory. In the same way, they
prevent room air from migrating down
BiochemGARD operates on the Baker behind the viewscreen and contaminating
Company’s zoned airflow principle. The the work area.
stainless steel metal diffuser just below the
supply HEPA filter creates a faster airflow The total exhaust cabinet
at the front of the work area than in the
center. The protective faster flow in front Intake air enters from above and through
makes an extremely effective air barrier. the front opening. The air is totally
exhausted. Because this 100%-exhaust
An important feature of the exclusive Baker feature permits no recirculation, the cabinet
design is the positioning of high-volume may be useful for work which generates
return air slots, which maximize the small amounts chemical vapors and gases.
cabinet’s protective ability. It is generally This represents a significant increase in the
accepted that maintaining containment and range of applications for laminar flow
a particle-free work area is most difficult in biological safety cabinets, although the
the areas in which airflow turbulence is cabinet is not explosion proof.
greatest-at the intersection of the side walls,
the front access opening and the work As shown in FIGURE 1, the cabinet blower
surface. Turbulence caused by friction will pulls air into the top of the blower housing
also be found along a cabinet’s side walls. and pushes it through a HEPA filter and a
In cabinets without high velocity return air stainless steel diffuser into the work area.
slots, this turbulence may also allow This air is then pulled through front and
contaminants to escape from the work area. rear exhaust grilles, along with air which
Or it may become possible for unfiltered has entered through the front of the cabinet
room air to enter. by means of customer-supplied exhaust
system. It travels up the exhaust plenum
In the Baker BiochemGARD with into the house exhaust system.
AirGARD, the high velocity return air slots
are located along the side walls of the work The cabinet must get make-up air to replace
area. Air is drawn into the slots at very the air which in eliminated through the
high speed, preventing the escape of exhaust system (492 CFM at 0.75 inches
particulates and ensuring that no unfiltered water column minimum negative static
air enters the work area. Additional high- pressure for the BC4; 840 CFM at .75 inches
velocity return air slots are located at the for the BC6). When an exhaust HEPA filter
top and sides of the viewscreen to prevent is added, this value changes. Because air is
gases, vapors or particulates from coming being exhausted from the room, it is clear
up behind the viewscreen and escaping into
that an equal volume of make-up air must while work is being performed, and an
be supplied to the room. alarm is provided to remind the operator if
the viewscreen is not in the correct eight-
Before the air enters the work area from inch position for using the cabinet. Chapter
above it is cleaned by its passage through III on Proper Cabinet Use will explain how
the supply HEPA filter. The air entering the to deal with this restricted access to the
cabinet through the front access opening work area while the cabinet is in use.
never enters the work area. Its purpose is to
complete the air barrier at the access BiochemGARD’s flourescent lighting
opening, and is partially responsible for the system provides 80-150 foot candles of
containment properties of the cabinet. illumination at the work surface level.
Because room air is entering through the Fluorescent light is externally mounted to
intake grille at the front, work within the alleviate heat buildup within the cabinet. A
cabinet must be performed only in the duplex outlet is located on the outside of
depressed area of the solid work surface. If the work area. There are no 115-volt
any of the perforated areas within the electrical components located within the
cabinet is blocked, airflow may be disrupted work area or below the four foot high level.
with increased turbulence, resulting in
diminished personnel and product The duplex outlet is on a separate circuit
protection. Perforated areas must be kept from the work area light and
clear at all times. motor/blower. Because of this arrangement,
an overload caused by ancillary equipment
Additional safety features won’t affect air handling. Overloading with
electrical equipment should, of course, be
For further operator protection, the avoided in any case. (See the Ancillary
BiochemGARD is equipped with an Equipment instructions in Chapter III on
interlock system which shuts off the cabinet Proper Cabinet Use, and in the Appendix of
supply blower in the event of an exhaust this manual).
failure. If the exhaust fails, the operator WARNING: Because electrical equipment
should immediately close the sliding may cause sparking, the use of flammable
viewscreen. material in the vicinity of the work area
should be avoided.
Another exclusive feature of the Baker
BiochemGARD is the AirGARD monitor DESIGN DETAILS
which is included with the cabinet. This
system monitors the flow of air expelled Performance assurance
through the exhaust duct. Once it has been
calibrated at the time the cabinet is Meticulous care in manufacturing is
installed, the AirGARD will sound an alarm followed by more than 13 separate
whenever the total airflow falls below the operational tests prior to shipment of your
pre-set level for more than six seconds. BiochemGARD cabinet. In addition, a
complete factory test report on your unit is
Access to the work area included at the rear of this manual. This
report can be used as a standard against
For easy entry of apparatus into the work which to measure cabinet operation during
area, BiochemGARD has a vertical sliding future maintenance checks.
viewscreen. Its inch safety plate glass allows
excellent visibility,and it may be opened to
a height of 19 inches to permit placement of Motor/blower capacity
items in the work area. The viewscreen
should be set at a height of eight inches
A motor/blower’s efficiency is measured by The supply HEPA filter in your
its ability to provide a nearly constant BiochemGARD cabinet is zero-probed,
volume of air even though resistance 99.99 percent effective on particles greater
increases because of filter loading. than and less than 0.3 micron by
Verification by a simulated filter loading Dioctylphthalate (DOP) test. Each filter is
test has established that your scan-tested to avoid leaks.
BiochemGARD cabinet is capable of
automatically handling a 50 percent Remote petcocks and drainage valve
pressure drop across the filter without
reducing total air delivery by more than 10 Two remote-controlled petcocks are located
percent. With the use of a manual speed in the left side wall of the work area. A
controller, a 100 percent increase in the stainless steel ball drainage valve is located
pressure drop can be handled. The resulting below the drain pan in the work area.
long filter life means significant cost
savings. Air balance adjustments
One-piece interior wall construction Air balancing can be done by either of the
following methods. It should, however, be
The interior side and rear walls of the work done only by a technician with proper
area are made from a single piece of 14- training and equipment. (See Chapter IV,
gauge stainless steel, with 7/16 inch On-Site Checks and Maintenance).
rounded corners to prevent buildup of
contaminants and resist corrosion. The • A speed controller adjusts the supply
work surface is #18 gauge type 304 stainless blower speed for voltage differences
steel, recessed to contain spills. and loading of the supply filter.
• A damper or speed control in the
Protective screen building’s exhaust system can be used
to regulate exhaust air flow.
Located under the stainless steel duct in the
left side of the cabinet, a protective screen is Easy filter access
provided to help prevent wipes and other
paper materials from being drawn into the For convenience and ease of service, the
blower system. This eliminates costly supply HEPA filter is loaded and removed
decontamination and downtime, and the from the front of the cabinet without entry
screen should be kept clean at all times. into the work area. This time-saving feature
is particularly helpful because the cabinet
Cabinet exterior must be connected to an exhaust duct. The
filter should be replaced by a qualified
BiochemGARD’s external construction is technician only.
#14 gauge cold-rolled steel, protected by
white polyurethane paint. Dimensions, height and weight
Checking the cabinet on arrival Biosafety Level 4 (high risk) agents should
never be used in this cabinet, except in
Upon receipt of your new BiochemGARD conjunction with a one-piece positive
cabinet, first inspect the exterior of the crate pressure personnel suit ventilated by a life
and skid. If there is any broken glass or support system. Please consult your safety
other visible damage, that fact should be professional for a proper risk assessment.
noted on the receiving slip and immediately
reported to the delivering carrier.
Cautions:
Now remove the crate and inspect the unit • The use of any hazardous material in the
itself. The top cover of the crate should be cabinet requires that it be monitored by an
taken off first, then the boards from front industrial hygienist, safety officer or other
and back. Bend both ends of the crate qualified individual.
outward away from the sides of the cabinet • Explosive or flammable substances should
and remove front or rear blocking from the never be used in the cabinet without risk
skid. If any concealed damage is found it evaluation and control by a qualified
should be reported to the delivering carrier, safety professional.
who will want an opportunity to inspect the • If hazardous biological work is to be
damage. A claim for restitution should be performed, apply the appropriate
filed within 15 days. biohazard decal which is enclosed. This is
in accord with OSHA regulations, volume
Because of the danger of mishandling by 39, number 125, part II.
trucking companies, we have removed
• If chemical, radiological or other
certain parts of the cabinet and have packed
nonmicrobiological hazards are present, be
them separately. These items are listed on
sure to employ appropriate protective
the packing slips which accompany the
measures in addition to formaldehyde
unit. Please check packing slips carefully to
decontamination before entering a
be sure that all items have been located.
contaminated area of the cabinet. Have a
trained individual monitor the operation.
The uses of a biological safety cabinet
A laminar flow biological safety cabinet is a valuable supplement to good sterile technique, -but
it is not a replacement for it. If the cabinet is not understood and operated correctly, it will not
provide an adequate protective barrier.
In order to keep the interior work space clean and free of particulates, all Baker laminar flow
cabinets are designed for continuous operation. If the blowers are turned off, the unit becomes
contaminated by room air. We urge, therefore, that the blowers be left on.
Start-up procedure
1. If the unit has not been left running or out through the air barrier before the
continuously, first turn on the exhaust procedure is completed. Implements
blower. Unclamp and raise the cabinet should be arranged in logical order
window to its proper eight inch within the cabinet’s work area so that
operating level. NOTE: This activates the clean and dirty materials are segregated,
AirGARD alarm system. preferably on opposite sides of the work
2. Next turn the supply blower switch to area. Blocking the front and rear
ON. Make sure that you have cabinet perforated grilles must be avoided. If
airflow, either by listening for blower wipes are used, they should be kept
sound or feeling the airflow across your away from the grilles.
fingers. NOTE: The supply blower will 7. After your equipment is in place inside
not run unless there is enough exhaust. the cabinet, adjust the vertical sliding
3. Turn on the fluorescent light. viewscreen so it is open exactly eight
4. Check to determine that the drain valve inches, no more and no less. This eight
is in the closed position, or the drain inch aperture is important for proper
coupling is capped. airflow. If the window is above the eight
5. As with other laboratory work space, the inch opening height, an alarm will
interior area of your cabinet should be sound.
wiped down with a surface disinfectant. 8. After the cabinet has operated for at least
NOTE: Some disinfectants may corrode three minutes with the viewscreen in its
or stain the steel surfaces. In this case, proper eight-inch position, you are ready
clean the surfaces afterward with a to begin.
detergent and rinse with tap water to
prevent corrosion. The proper way to work in the cabinet
6. Place inside the cabinet all materials to be
used for the next procedure. It may be 1. Hands and arms should be washed
necessary to disinfect the exterior of thoroughly with germicidal soap both
these materials. Everything required, and before and after work in the cabinet.
nothing more, should be placed in the Operators are encouraged to wear long-
cabinet before you begin your work so it sleeved gowns or lab coats with tight-
will not be necessary to pass anything in fitting cuffs and sterile gloves. This
minimizes the shedding of skin flora into
the work area and protects hands and continue your work, whether the alarm is
arms from contamination. activated because of insufficient suction
2. Perform all work within the depressed in the exhaust system or improper
area of the solid work surface, and work positioning of the viewscreen.
with a limited number of slow The operating position of the viewscreen
movements. Since all of the equipment requires an eight-inch high access
you will need is already inside the opening for designed airflow. This
cabinet, it will not be necessary to move restricted opening permits optimum
arms in and out through the air barrier. operating conditions for the cabinet. For
3. Because opening and closing doors in the comfort in use, it is recommended that
laboratory causes air disturbance which the top of the operator’s shoulder be at
might interfere with cabinet airflow, this the same height as the bottom of the
kind of activity should be held to a window. Because operators will not all
minimum while the cabinet is in use. be the same size, it is suggested that an
4. Avoid using floor-type pipette discard adjustable chair be provided.
canisters. It is important that used 7. After a procedure has been completed,
pipettes be discarded into a surgical all equipment which has been in direct
instrument tray or other suitable contact with the research agent should be
container within the cabinet. This enclosed, and the entire surface
reduces the temptation to move in and decontaminated. Trays of discarded
out of the work area unnecessarily. pipettes and glassware should be
Because of the restricted access, pipetting covered. The cabinet should then be
within the cabinet will require the use of allowed to run for at least three minutes
pipetting aids. Learning to use these aids without activity so the airborne
requires only a little practice. contaminants will be purged from the
5. Use good aseptic technique. Procedures work area. Next, make sure that all
done with good technique and proper equipment is removed from the work
cabinet methods will not require the use area after careful surface disinfection.
of a flame. 8. After you have removed all materials,
If, however, a safety officer approves the culture apparatus, etc., decontamination
use of flame after evaluating the of the interior surfaces should be
circumstances, then a burner with a pilot repeated. Check the work area carefully
light such as the "Touch-O-Matic" should for spilled or splashed nutrient which
be used. Place it at the rear of the work might support bacterial growth. And
area where the air turbulence caused by NEVER use the cabinet to store supplies
the flame will have the least possible or laboratory equipment.
effect. Flame disturbs the directional We recommend that the cabinet be left
airstream and also contributes to the heat running continuously to ensure
load. If cabinet blowers are containment and cleanliness. If, however,
unintentionally turned off, the flame the user chooses to turn the cabinet off at
could damage a filter. Tubing for a the end of each shift, the window should
burner within the cabinet should be be closed completely. The sash alarm and
resistant to cracking or puncture. the AirGARD monitoring system will be
Material such as Tygon tubing may not de-activated when the window is in a
be acceptable for this use. closed position.
6. NEVER OPERATE THE CABINET 9. If there is an accident during cabinet
WHILE A WARNING LIGHT OR operation causing spills or spatters
ALARM IS ON. These warning devices around the work area, you will need to
tell you when there has been some sort of decontaminate all items and surfaces
compromise of cabinet integrity. Be sure before anything is removed. If there was
to correct the problem before you enough of a spill to create puddles of
liquid in the drain pan, then an cassette program called "Effective Use of the
emergency spill procedure should be Laminar Flow Biological Safety Cabinet".
followed.
It is recommended that cabinet users, in Shut down procedure
coordination with their consulting safety professionals, have a written plan available to cover
The emergency spill procedure may, of 1. Remove all equipment from the cabinet
course, vary according to the agents being and decontaminate surfaces.
used. In case of a biological spill, for 2. Close the window down against the
example, the area containing the spill may be stops. This automatically disconnects the
flooded with a disinfectant. The drain AirGARD.
capacity of the BiochemGARD Model BC-4 is 3. Turn off the supply blower.
86 liters. The drain capacity of the Model 4. Turn off the exhaust blower
BC-6 is 7.5 liters. 5. Turn all cam clamps so that the window
After the disinfectant has had time for a gasket is sealed.
complete kill, remove or drain the residue. If 6. Turn the light switch to OFF.
you have used a disinfectant which is
damaging to stainless steel (Hypochlorite Using ancillary equipment
solutions, for example) be sure that none
remains to corrode cabinet surfaces. Clean The rule to remember is that the more
the surfaces with water. equipment there is in the cabinet, the greater
If you have a spill involving a hazardous will be the air turbulence it causes. The
Biosafety Level 2 or 3 agent, you are advised turbulence resulting from equipment and
to leave the cabinet running and close the materials can disrupt the designed airflow
viewscreen so as to let the aerosols settle and reduce the efficiency of the cabinet.
before you start cleanup procedures. With When you use equipment which rotates,
some spills, it may be necessary to vibrates or heats, be sure to place it as far to
decontaminate the room with an agent such the rear of the work area as possible. Doing
as formaldehyde gas. (Biosafety Level 4 so will minimize turbulence in the access
agents should NEVER be used in this type of opening.
cabinet). Another precaution is to avoid using
If for some reason the spill contains volatile equipment which exceeds the amperage
liquids which generate vapors with risk of limit
fire or of the workturn
explosion, areaoff
duplex. Theand
the unit limit for electrical applia
other
In the event that the spill is a hazardous the BiochemGARD BC4 is ?? amps. The
chemical, it may be recommended that a limit for the BC6 is 7.5 amps. A circuit
Spill Kit be kept readily available. This kit breaker is provided for the outlets in the
should be clearly labeled, and might include work area to protect against an overload
such items as a respirator, chemical splash which might otherwise interrupt the
goggles, gloves, absorbent material, spill continuous airflow in the cabinet.
control pillows, a solution to clean up the Because certain procedures, such as those
contaminated area, and waste disposal bags involving some types of centrifuge or
or other containers. Consult your safety blender, can generate a large volume of
professional for proper procedures and aerosols capable of penetrating the air safety
treatment of the specific agents you plan to barrier, we are including in the Appendix of
use. this manual a special section on "Procedures
It would be helpful for operators to learn for Using Ancillary Equipment". Please read
about the capabilities and limitations of the it carefully.
cabinet by reading some of the available
literature. You will find a partial PROCEDURES FOR USING ANCILLARY
bibliography in the Appendix of this manual, EQUIPMENT
including reference to an excellent slide-
This section is included because certain least five minutes after the centrifuge has
procedures, for example, those requiring the come to a complete stop before you open its
use of a centrifuge or blender, can release a cover. As with the blender, conduct surface
large volume of aerosols capable of decontamination and air purge both
penetrating the air safety barrier of the BEFORE and AFTER using the centrifuge.
cabinet.
If you use a centrifuge often or work with
When working with any piece of ancillary fairly hazardous agents, we recommend that
equipment, it is necessary to follow correct you purchase a laminar flow safety cabinet
procedures. In order to estimate how much which has been modified to hold various
aerosol you may create when you are using centrifuges. In these modified units, the
common procedures or ancillary equipment, centrifuge is placed in a well which is
please refer to "Potential for accidental recessed so as to hold air turbulence to a
microbial -aerosol transmission in the minimum.
biological laboratory". It is listed in the
Reference section of this Appendix.
USING A BLENDER
USING A CENTRIFUGE
Following is a list of suggestions to help you avoid some of the most common errors made
when using biological safety cabinets.
• ALWAYS turn on the blowers before • ALWAYS stop working in the unit
using the unit. while there is a warning signal.
• ALWAYS use pipetting aids. • ALWAYS turn off the ultraviolet light
when anyone is in the room.
• ALWAYS use an open flame within the
cabinet only if the use has been • ALWAYS follow all steps in good
specifically approved by a safety aseptic technique.
professional.
• ALWAYS disinfect surfaces, both before
• ALWAYS keep the air intake grilles and after working in the cabinet.
clear.
• ALWAYS remember periodic
• ALWAYS leave the cabinet blower maintenance checks.
speed unchanged unless it is required
by a measured change from the setpoint • NEVER work in your cabinet with any
of air velocity. high-risk agents.
If the operators are well-trained and use good common sense when operating your cabinet, you
should have very few problems.
IV-ON-SITE CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
We recommend that the following checks be performed before initial use, after relocation, and
after each filter change. They should also be carried out at regular intervals, usually six -months
or one year, as specified by your industrial hygienist, safety officer or other qualified person.
The tests described below meet recommended minimum requirements and must be performed
by an experienced technician using proper procedures and instruments. Our representatives
can tell you about other tests which you may consider desirable.
As reported earlier in this manual, each individual cabinet made by The Baker Company is
carefully tested before it leaves the factory. Your copy of the test report, which you will find at
the back of this manual, gives the factory test results for your own BiochemGARD unit. Use it as
your record of the original testing, and as your guide to testing in the future. To gain many
years of satisfactory service, please be sure that your maintenance personnel come as close as
possible to duplicating these original test figures.
Your test procedures should be identical to ours so that comparing test results will have
meaning. Please correspond directly with us to request detailed procedures for your particular
cabinet model. Alternate testing procedures can be found in the National Sanitation
Foundation’s Standard No. 49. (See reference in Appendix).
The airflow balance which is set at the 2. Adjust the window to its eight inch
factory provides your unit with air volume operating opening. (An alarm will
and velocity control to minimize leakage of sound if the window is raised above
airborne contamination either in or out of eight inches).
the work area.
3. Using a calibrated hot wire anemometer
In order to duplicate as closely as possible or pitot tube, accurately measure the
the airflow characteristics described in the total volume of air exhausted from the
original factory test report, please follow cabinet by measuring the velocity in the
this method: exhaust system duct. Use two 90-degree
traverses in a straight section of duct,
Equipment ten duct-diameters from an elbow,
damper or transition. Multiply the
1. Hot wire anemometer and ring stand. calculated average duct velocity by the
square foot area of the duct to calculate
2. Microprocessor-controlled the total volume of airflow. Adjust the
micromanometer with back pressure exhaust system only as necessary to get
+
compensating damper and adapter to 470 CFM /- 10 for the BC4 and 800
+
(alternate). CFM /- 10 for the BC6 . Do not change
the supply blower in the cabinet.
3. Instrumentation must be calibrated
traceable to the National Institute of Alternate procedure
Technology and Standards.
To measure total airflow volume, use a
Procedure microprocessor-controlled micromanometer
with back pressure compensating damper
1. Connect the cabinet to the exhaust and adapter at front opening with supply
system and turn on both cabinet and blower off, and supply blower intake
exhaust blowers. sealed.
access opening intake velocity (Range
At this volume, the yellow light of the 100 to 110 FPM for either model).
AirGARD should come on, followed by the
flashing red light and audible alarm. This Alternate: With supply and exhaust
will happen if the slide switch for the blowers on, measure intake directly
audible alarm is in the ON position. with instrument described in Alternate,
Step 3, above. CFM range: 188 to 208 for
If the red light is off, turn the ADJUST the BC4 and 322 to 354 for the BC6.
screw very, very slowly counter-clockwise
until the yellow light comes on and stays As the supply HEPA (high efficiency
on, lighting the red light approximately six particulate arrestance) filter loads up with
seconds after the yellow light comes on. particulates, the supply airflow will be
Turn clockwise until it goes off. Wait 30 maintained automatically, at least until the
seconds and turn counter-clockwise until filter resistance increases by 50% or more.
the yellow light comes on, and six seconds When airflow eventually diminishes, you
later the red light comes on. This sets the will have to increase the blower speed in
low alarm point for the AirGARD. order to maintain the original volume of
CAUTION: ALWAYS TURN THE ADJUST work area supply air. This is done by
SCREW VERY, VERY SLOWLY. turning the speed control, located in the
electrical box, clockwise until the desired
1. Using the same procedures, readjust the airflow is achieved. If the airflow cannot be
exhaust system only, as required, to get maintained, it will be necessary to replace
low alarm as set above (Step 3), plus 20 the HEPA filter. (See "Procedures for HEPA
to 30 CFM for the BC4; plus 40 to 50 filter replacement" later in this chapter).
CFM for the BC6.
2. Remove the supply filter diffuser by Filter medium and seal leak test
removing the two nuts which hold up
the front left and right sides. Drop the When preparing your cabinet for use after
front down below the studs and pull shipment, and then at prescribed intervals
forward. throughout its working life, you will need
3. Using a calibrated hot wire anemometer to verify that the filter has maintained its
mounted on a ring stand 4 inches under integrity.
the supply filter, and following the test
report, take readings starting 4 inches Equipment needed will be:
from each sidewall. Take successive
readings 4.2 inches apart side-to-side 1. An aerosol photometer with either
thereafter. Starting points are on the linear or logarithmic scale. Instruments
filter centerline, with successive of this type shall have a threshold
readings 5 inches apart rear-to-front sensitivity of at least 1O-3 micrograms
thereafter. per liter of polydisperse DOP particles,
4. The average of these reading multiplied and a capacity of measuring 10
by 3.78 square feet for the BC4 or by 6.44 micrograms per liter concentration. The
square feet for the BC6 must equal the instrument shall sample air at a flow
CFM set in Step 1, less 188 - 208 CFM for rate of 1 CFM.
the BC4 or less 322 - 354 for the BC6. 2. DOP generator with Laskin nozzle(s).
5. Work access opening intake volume Liquid dioctylphthalate (DOP),
equals the total CFM exhaust less dioctylsebacate (DOS) or comparable
supply volume which divided by 1.88 substance is aerosolized by flowing air
for the BC4 and by 3.22 for the BC6 through the liquid. When generated
which equals calculated average work with a Laskin type nozzle, the mean
droplet size of the aerosol is 99 percent have been sealed. A significant leak is
less than 3.0 microns. defined as:
a) For linear readout photometer:
Procedure for filter and leak tests A reading greater than 0.01%.
Next, conduct the cabinet integrity test by To wash the drain pan under the work
using the following procedure: surface, simply lift up the solid work
surface (or the perforated grille).
1. Attach compressed air to the drain valve Remember, too, that this area must be
and pressurize the cabinet to 2” w.g. assumed to have contamination, so use
This pressure can be maintained by caution in approaching your task.
flowing air if there are leaks in the taped
area. Check your HEPA filter regularly
2. Apply liquid leak-detector along all
welds, gaskets, penetrations and seals Changes in areas surrounding the
on the exterior surfaces of all cabinet laboratory may produce unexpected dust or
plenums. A leak will be revealed by the other conditions which affect your filter. To
appearance of bubbles. Do not miss maintain filter integrity and good cabinet
large leaks which may blow the “soap operation, be sure to take periodic exhaust
solution” away without creating and supply airflow measurements and
bubbles. check for filter leaks.
3. Repair all leaks until no further bubbles
appear. REPLACING THE HEPA FILTER
4. Remove the compressed air lines,
making sure that the drain valve is If your periodic checks of total airflow show
closed. Remove the sealing material. a drop of ten percent or more from the
Then clean up the cabinet. original settings, your filter may be loaded
with particulates. As explained earlier in
Grounding continuity test this chapter, the blower speed can be
manually increased to compensate for filter
First, disconnect power to the cabinet. Then, loading. However, when the airflow can no
using a volt-ohmmeter, set it to read in longer be maintained or when the filter is
excess of 100 ohms. Touch the two leads damaged, it should be replaced.
together and see that the display reads "0.1-
0.0". Touch one lead to the ground lug on Before any panels are removed, the cabinet
the cabinet power cord, or to the weld stud must be decontaminated (please see
in the junction box at the rear of the cabinet, following section for specifics on
while touching the other lead to bare metal decontamination). The filter is sure to have
on the unit where the user would be most collected micro-organisms and other
likely to touch the cabinet. If the display potentially harmful particles generated
reads "0.1- 0.0", the cabinet passes the test. during its lifetime, and maintenance
personnel should not allow themselves to
be exposed. It should also be remembered
that a specific gaseous decontamination will
work against microorganisms, but not
against chemical agents. Where chemicals
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR are present, consult an industrial hygienist
GOOD MAINTENANCE or other qualified person.
Lower the view screen against the stops and Next, put a light coat of silicone grease on
clamp it into position. After the face of the gasket of the new
decontamination, remove the cap nuts on replacement filter. Clean the filter-sealing
the supply filter access panel (just above the flange thoroughly, and slide the new filter
view screen), and take off the plate. Remove carefully into place. Be sure that it is
the filter clamp assemblies. Then slide the properly seated on the flange.
dirty filter assembly into a heat-sealable
polyethylene bag for disposal. Replace the filter clamp assemblies and
Clean the top of the perforated stainless screw the stainless steel studs finger-tight.
steel diffuser plate, filter seat and also the Tighten the studs slowly and uniformly
cabinet parts above the filter seat. until the filter gasket has been compressed
about 20 percent. DO NOT
Next, put a light coat of silicone grease on OVERTIGHTEN. Replace the seal plate,
the face of the gasket of the new making sure that the gasket and plate are
replacement filter. Clean the filter flange clean, and conduct a leak test.
thoroughly, then slide the new filter into
DECONTAMINATION
6. Neutralize the formaldehyde with
Whenever maintenance, service or repair ammonium bicarbonate. After the
are needed in a contaminated area of your appropriate contact period, the gas must
cabinet, the unit must first be be vented where it can safely be
decontaminated with an appropriate agent. eliminated from the laboratory.
The National Institute of Health, National
Cancer Institute, and the Center for Disease NOTE: When using polyethylene film to
Control have all recommended the use of seal cabinets for gaseous decontamination,
formaldehyde gas for most microbiological the plastic film must be at least eight mil
agents. Its application requires an thick to prevent penetration by
experienced individual, since the gas itself formaldehyde gas.
is toxic.
THE HEPA FILTER
A good reference for this procedure is
"Formaldehyde Decontamination of The high efficiency particulate arrestance
Laminar Flow Biological Safety (HEPA) filter is one of the essential
Cabinets", which is listed in the components of a biological safety cabinet. It
Bibliography section of the Appendix. is the shield which stands between the
environment and the experimental agent.
Have the proper safety equipment (gas
masks, protective clothing, etc.) within easy Developed during the 1940’s and 1950’s by
reach. In addition, you will want to make the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, Naval
sure that the gas you are using will be Research Laboratories and the Atomic
effective against all of the biological agents Energy Commission, this is often called the
within the cabinet. When you have decided "absolute filter".
which gas to use, post the antidote to it in a
visible and nearby location. Knowing that The HEPA filter consists of a continuous
the volume of your BC-4 cabinet is 31-3 sheet of glass fiber pleated over rigid
cubic feet will help you provide the correct corrugated separators and mounted in a
amount of decontaminating gas. wood frame. It is very delicate and the filter
media should never be touched.
The standard biological decontamination
will not, of course, be effective against Proven efficiency is 99.97% for particles 0.3
chemicals or other non-biological materials. microns in diameter. This size particle is
With subjects of this kind, consult a used as the basis for filter definition because
qualified safety professional. theoretical studies have shown that
filtration efficiency should be at a minimum
Sealing the BiochemGARD for for particles of this diameter, with efficiency
decontamination increasing for particles either larger or
smaller. Experiments with various viruses
1. First, seal the exhaust, preferably with and microbial agents have proven the
an airtight damper. effectiveness of the HEPA filter. (See
2. Next seal the supply air intake. It may Bibliography section in Appendix.)
be sealed with vinyl tape.
3. Close the window down against the Chemicals and Gases:
stops and clamp with the cam clamps at
each end and the screw-clamp pads on It must be pointed out that the HEPA filter
top of the light. Seal the suction slots. is NOT effective against chemicals in the
4. Seal the bottom of the window with gaseous state. Before any chemicals are
vinyl tape. used in the cabinet it is necessary to
5. Decontaminate. consider:
spark or a burner operating in the work
1. Are these chemicals, either singly or in area.
combination, able to attack filter
components, even stainless steel? In cases where chemical carcinogens,
mutagens or teratogens are to be used, the
2. Are these chemicals potentially toxic to risks should be carefully weighed in
the operator? Is there any combination choosing a cabinet. Where the exhaust
of two or more which could be toxic? If effluent contains a contaminant, it may
the cabinet is being correctly used and need treatment.
only the operator’s hands and arms are
inside the machine, then toxicity or Life Expectancy of a HEPA Filter:
irritation could only occur through skin
penetration. A proper evaluation of The life of a filter is determined by how it is
toxicity must deal not only with one- used and how often. Under normal
time exposure, but also with the effect of laboratory conditions, you can expect at
many small exposures over a period of least five years of use. However, misuse or a
time. heavy dust load within the cabinet will
3. Are these chemicals explosive or shorten any filter’s lifetime. Bunsen burners
flammable? If so, they should never be and misuse of chemicals will also shorten
used in your cabinet. With a buildup the useful life.
caused by recirculation of air, an
explosion can be the result of a motor
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Here are some suggestions based on our experience with the use and misuse of biological safety
cabinets.
CAUTION: WHENEVER THE POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED AREAS OF YOUR CABINET
MUST BE ENTERED, MAKE SURE THAT THE UNIT IS FIRST DECONTAMINATED BY USE
OF APPROPRIATE METHODS.
the unit and replace the filter(s).
When a smoke test indicates that there is
air flowing from the interior of your If there is no airflow within the work area
cabinet into the surrounding room
1. And if the lights and duplex outlet also
1. Check the exhaust to see that it is on. fail to operate, make sure the unit is
The AirGARD alarm, when properly plugged in to a dedicated, grounded 20-
calibrated, will sound if the unit is amp, 115-volt, 60-cycle electrical outlet.
plugged in and the exhaust is too low. Also make sure that the blower switch is
2. Make sure that there is adequate airflow in the ON position.
in the building’s exhaust system. Also 2. The exhaust system may not be
be sure that the dampers are open. Re- functioning, or inadequate exhaust flow
balance the exhaust system to handle an may prevent the supply blower from
adequate volume of air and static operating because the two are
pressure (suction). Consult with interlocked. Re-check the exhaust
building maintenance people. system.
3. Check the exhaust filter, if your cabinet 3. If the lights are working, turn the
has one. It may be loaded with dirt if the blower switch to OFF and let the cabinet
cabinet has been in service for some rest for ten minutes. When the time has
time. If so, decontaminate the cabinet passed, turn the blower switch to ON. If
and replace the filter. the blower starts, you know there has
4. There may be high cross-drafts in the been overheating of the blower motor.
room which are causing the outflow of Also check the wiring connections
smoke. Check the airflow balance, leading from the cabinet to the light
following the procedure recommended canopy. Be sure the connections are
in an earlier section of this chapter. pushed together.
Eliminate the cause of the cross-draft. 4. If these solutions do not correct the
problem, or if the blower failed to start
When there is low airflow within the work after the rest period, then either the
area and through the exhaust system speed control, blower motor or capacitor
is defective. A qualified electrician can
1. Check the incoming voltage. Low find out if the speed control is defective
voltage can cause the blower to operate by bypassing it, using the wiring
at slower-than-designed speed. diagram in the Appendix of this manual
Although this should be corrected in the as a guide. If there is a noise problem, it
building’s electrical system, you may be may be caused by motor bearings.
able to compensate by adjusting the
Triac speed control clockwise until
proper velocity is reached. Re-balance
the exhaust system.
2. The reduced airflow may be caused by
old and dirty filter(s). Decontaminate If the electrical duplex does not function
1. Check the duplex switch/circuit breaker
located on the control panel. The viewscreen alarm should be silent
2. If the unit is equipped with a GFI when the window is between the eight inch
(ground fault interruptor) duplex, press open position and the fully closed position.
the reset button on the duplex. The viewscreen alarm is located in the
control panel and is activated when the
When there is pulsive fan operation, or window depresses the plunger or the limit
noise from the motor/blower assembly switch, when it reaches the eight inch open
position from fully closed.
Look for loose objects in the fan cage. Check
to see if the fan wheel is contacting the If the fluorescent light does not work
blower housing. Another possible source of
the problem is a speed control or 1. Drop the light canopy down from the
potentiometer which may have been unit and check the multi-pin connectors
damaged by overheating. at each end to be sure they are securely
engaged.
2. Check to see that the lamp pins are
contacting both sockets. If the lamp
flickers and can be corrected by
vigorous rubbing of the bulb, there is
probably an improper ground. Have a
qualified electrician check the electrical
circuit for any break in the ground. The
wiring can be traced to the source of a
When the viewscreen alarm is sounding break.
continuously
GLOSSARY
Absolute containment: The ability to retaining 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3
completely retain any specified substance. micron diameter.
Class III Safety Cabinet, for example.
Health physicist: A professional whose
Aerosol: A colloid of liquid or solid duties are to protect the individual and
particles suspended in gas, usually air. environment from unwarranted radiation
or biological exposure.
Air balance: To adjust the proper exhaust
and supply of air volume so as to provide Laminar airflow: Air flow with a Reynolds
optimum operating conditions of number below 2000. In this context, for
cleanliness and containment. Class II cabinets, it is air flow in which the
entire body of air within a designated space
Biological hazard: A biological entity which moves within a single direction along
presents a risk or potential risk to the well parallel flow lines.
being of man, either directly or indirectly
through disruption of his environment. The Laminar flow biological safety cabinet
term is often contracted to "biohazard". (LFBSC): A Class II cabinet providing
simultaneous personnel protection and a
Containment: Prevention of agent contamination-free work environment.
transmission from one point to another.
(Absolute containment can only be Micron - Micrometer: A unit of length
accomplished with an absolute physical equal to 106 meters.
barrier.)
Negative pressure: Pressure in a space, less
Contamination: Any foreign substance than ambient, which causes an inflow of air.
which makes an unwanted incursion.
Partial containment: An enclosure which is
Decontamination: The destruction or so constructed that contamination between
reduction of hazardous entities to safe its interior and the surroundings is
levels. minimized by the controlled movement of
air. Class I and -Class II safety cabinets are
Disinfectant: A chemical agent which kills examples.
or inactivates micro-organisms.
Plenum: An enclosed space in which the
DOP (Dioctylphthalate): Oil used to pressure of the air is greater or less than
generate an aerosol of particles to challenge that of the atmosphere outside. In Class II
HEPA filters. Other substances which may cabinets, it is also a chamber for conveying
be less toxic (DOS) can be used as an or containing air.
acceptable substitute.
Positive pressure: Pressure in a space,
HEPA filter: A high efficiency particulate greater than ambient, which causes an
arrestance filter, technically capable of outflow of air.
*Taken principally from a workshop for Certification of Biological Safety Cabinets, conducted
by Dow Chemical under contract to N.C.I.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Baker Company Catalog, The Baker Company, Inc., Drawer E, Sanford Airport,
Sanford, Maine 04073.
3. Center for Disease Control. Decontamination of biological safety cabinets. U.S. Dept. of
Health Education and Welfare. Public Health Service, Health Services and Mental
4. Health Administration, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
6. Chatigny, M.A., S. Dunn, K. Ishimaru, J.M. Eagleson and S.B. Prusiner. 1979. Evaluation
of a class III biological safety cabinet for enclosure of an ultracentrifuge. Appl. and
Environmental Microbiol. 38: 934-939.
8. Coriell, L.L. and G.J. McGarrity. 1968. Biohazard hood to prevent infection during
microbiological procedures. Appl. Microbiology 16: 1895-1900.
9. Coriell, L.L. and G.J. McGarrity. 1970. Evaluation of the Edgegard® laminar flow hood.
Appl. Microbiology 20: 474-479.
10. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, National Institutes of Health. Guidelines
for research involving recombinant DNA molecules. Federal Register. Vol. 45, No. 20,
Tuesday, January 29, 1980.
11. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, National Institutes of Health. Guidelines
for research: Physical containment recommendations for large-scale uses of organism
containing recombinant DNA molecules. Federal Register. Vol. 45, No. 72, Friday, April
11, 1980.
13. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Recombinant
DNA Research: Actions under guidelines. Federal Register. Vol. 45, No. 147, Tuesday,
July 29, 1980.
14. Dimmick, R.L., W.F. Vogl and M.S. Chatigny. 1973. Potential for accidental microbial aerosol
transmissions in the biological laboratory, p. 246-267. In biohazards in biological research.,
A. Hellman, M.N. Oxman, R. Pollack, Eds. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
15. A Workshop for Certification of Biological Safety Cabinets by Dow Chemical, U.S.A.
under contract to National Cancer Institute (BH74-01-011).
16. Effective use of the laminar flow biological safety cabinet. A slide show by the U.S.
Department of Health, Education and Welfare. National Audio-Visual Center, Sales
Branch, Washington, D.C. 20409.
17. Federal Register. Vol. 41, No. 131. Wednesday, July 7, 1976. Part II, DHEW, NIH
"Recombinant DNA Research Guidelines".
18. Harstad, J. et. al. 1977. Air filtration of submicron virus aerosols. Amer. J. Public Health.
57: 2186-2193.
19. Harstad, J.B. and M.E. Filler. 1969. Evaluation of air filters with submicron viral aerosols
and bacterial aerosols. Amer. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30: 280-290.
20. Hellman, A. 1969. Biohazard control and containment in oncogenic virus research, U.S.
Department of Health, Education and Welfare, U.S. Government Printing Office.
21. Hellman, A., M.N. Oxman and R. Pollack, Eds. 1973. Biohazards in biological research.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 369p.
22. Jones, R.L., Jr., D.G. Stuart, D. Eagleson, T.J. Greenier and J.M. Eagleson, Jr. 1990. The
effects of changing intake and supply airflow on biological safety cabinet performance.
Appl. Occup. Hyg. 5: 370-376.
23. Laminar flow biological safety cabinets. A training manual for biomedical investigators.
1972. Dow Chemical, U.S.A., for the National Cancer Institute.
24. Langmuir, I. 1943. Filtration of aerosols and development of filter materials, 0.5 R.C.
Report No. 865. Office of Technical Services, Washington, D.C.
25. McGarrity, G.J. and L.L. Coriell. 1971. Procedures to reduce contamination of cell
cultures. In Vitro 4: 257-265.
26. McGarrity, G.J. and L.L. Coriell. 1973. Mass airflow cabinets for control of airborne
infection of laboratory rodents. Appl. Microbiology 26: 167-172.
27. McGarrity, G.J. and L.L. Coriell. 1974. Modified laminar flow biological safety cabinet.
Appl. Microbiology 28: 647-650.
28. McKissick, G.E. et al. 1970. Aerosol transmission of oncogenic virus. In: Aerobiology-
Proceedings of the Third International Symposium. Academic Press. New York. p. 233-
240.
31. National Sanitation Foundation, Standard No. 49 for Class II (laminar flow) Biohazard
Cabinetry, June 11, 1976, Ann Arbor Michigan.
32. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 1986. OSHA guidelines for cytotoxic
drugs. OSHA Instruction PUB 8-1.1. Office of Occupational Medicine, OSHA,
Washington, D.C. 20210
33. Phillips, G.B. and W.S. Miller, eds. 1973. Industrial sterilization. Duke University Press,
Durham, N.C.
34. Pike, R.M. 1976. Laboratory associated infections: summary and analysis of 3921 cases.
Health Lab. Science 13: 105-114.
35. Pike, R.M., SE. Sulkin and L.L. Schulze. 1965. Continuing importance of laboratory
acquired infections. Am. J. Public Health 55: 190-199.
36. Rake, B.W. 1978. Influence of crossdrafts on the performance of a biological safety
cabinet. Appl. Microbiology 36: 278-283.
37. Rake, B.W. 1979. Microbiological evaluation of a biological safety cabinet modified for
bedding disposal. Laboratory Animal Science. 29: 625-632.
38. Stuart, D.G., T.J. Greenier, RA. Rumery and J.M. Eagleson, Jr. Survey, use and
performance of biological safety cabinets. Am. Ind.. Hyg. Assoc. 43: 265-270. 1982.
39. Stuart, D.G., M.W. First, R.L. Jones, Jr. and J.M. Eagleson, Jr. Comparison of chemical
vapor handling by three types of Class II biological safety cabinets. Part. and Microbial
Control. March/April 1983.
40. Sulkin, S.E. 1961. Laboratory acquired infections. Bacteriol. Rev. 25: 203-209.
41. Sulkin, S.E. and R.M. Pike. 1951. Laboratory acquired infections. JAMA
42. 1740-1745.
43. Sulkin, S.E. et al. 1963. Laboratory infections and accidents. In: Diagnostic procedures
and reagents, A.H. Harris and M.B. Coleman, eds. 4th ed. New York. American Public
44. Health Assoc. p. 89-104.
45. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health. Laboratory Safety Monograph, A Supplement to the N.I.H.
Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research, U.S. Government Printing Office. 1979.
46.
47. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health. National Cancer Institute Safety Standards for Research Involving
Chemical Carcinogens. DHEW Publication No. (NIH) 76-900.
48. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health. Administrative Practices Supplement to the N.I.H. Guidelines for
Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. U.S. Government Printing
49. Office. 1980. 301-311:3076.
50. Wedum, A.G. and R.H. Kruse. 1969. Assessment of risk of human infection in the
microbiological laboratory. 2nd ed. Misc. Publ. 30. Department of the Army, Fort
Detrick, Maryland.
51. Wedum, A.G., W.E. Barkley and A. Hellman. 1972. Handling of infectious agents. J.
Amer. Med. Assoc. 16: 1557-1567.
ADDENDUM
1A.Jones, R.L., Jr. D.G. Stuart, D. Eagleson, T.J. Greenier, J.M. Eagleson, Jr. 1990. The effects of -
changing intake and supply air flow on biological safety cabinet performance. APPL. OCCUP.
ENVIRON. HYG. 5:370-377.
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
BIOGARD HOOD VERTICAL LAMINAR FLOW CABINET
MODELS BC4 & BC6
NOTE: When ordering replacement parts, please furnish the serial number of the unit as well
as the model number.
Purchase Specification
BiochemGARD Model BC-4 with AirGARD
Class II, Type B2, 100 percent exhaust
Biological Safety Cabinet
1. Manufacturer shall provide a certified copy of the Personnel, Product and Cross-
Contamination (microbiological) tests, equivalent to or more severe than as specified in NSF
Standard #49, performed on one unit from each production run from which cabinets
purchased have been manufactured. Tests may be witnessed by a representative of the
purchaser.
2. Cabinet shall have zoned downflow velocity profile, i.e. a higher velocity over the work
surface.
3. Audible and visible alarm system shall be provided to indicate low exhaust airflow. Unit
shall have a continuous air monitoring system to measure mass airflow in the exhaust
system. The monitoring system is to be capable of calibration to plus or minus three percent
of the total airflow.
4. High-velocity scavenger slots shall be located at each end of the front access opening, and
along the top of the viewscreen. These slots help to prevent contaminated air from being
drawn into the work area, and from escaping the work area to the laboratory.
5. Unit shall have sliding viewscreen movable from closed to 19 inch opening.
6. Model BC4 shall exhaust no more than 492 CFM with 100 FPM calculated air intake through
front access opening at eight inch operating level. Model BC6 shall exhaust no more than
840 CFM with 100 FPM calculated air intake through the front access opening at eight inch
operating level.
7. Work area walls shall be monolithic. Side walls and rear wall are to be made from one piece
of 304 stainless steel, with radiused corners for easy cleaning.
9. Instrument panel shall have two remote control petcock handles, switches and duplex
outlet. This panel -must be removable from the front for easy servicing.
10. Unit shall have sail-switch device to automatically shut off supply blower in the event of
exhaust failure.
11. All electrical components shall be outside the cabinet and at least four feet off the floor.
12. Circuit breaker shall be provided with additional pole for interlocking unit with exhaust
system.
16. Each cabinet shall have, before shipping, a complete test to make sure that it meets Class II
requirements. A copy of the test report shall be provided with the cabinet.
WARRANTY
The Baker Company, Inc. expressly represents and warrants all goods (a) to be as specified (and
described) in the Baker Company catalogs and literature, and (b) to be free under normal use,
service and testing (all as described in the Baker Company catalogs and literature) from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of thirty-six months from the invoice date.
The exclusive remedy for any breach or violation of this warranty is as follows: The Baker
Company, Inc. will F.O.B. Sanford, Maine, furnish without charge repairs to or replacement of
the parts or equipment which proved defective in material or workmanship. No claim may be
made for any incidental or consequential damages.