IN THE LOOP

Working Safely in Your

Biological Safety Cabinet

Do Not Confuse Biosafety Cabinets Do Not Use the Cabinet for Do Not Operate the Cabinet If A Bunsen Burner
with Laminar Flow Cabinets Agents of Extreme Hazard Any of the Alarms are Activated Should Not Be Used
Biosafety cabinets and laminar flow cabinets can The suitability of this cabinet for your application Call your Local Representative for immediate service. The resulting buoyancy effects will affect cabinet
look very similar but the latter only protect samples should be ascertained by an industrial hygienist or airflow and containment. When absolutely
inside the work zone from external airborne your safety officers. DO NOT use this cabinet with necessary, low pilot light type electric burners may
contamination and do not protect the operator. any toxic, flammable, or explosive materials. be used.
Read the labeling on your cabinet carefully before
proceeding.

Do Not Use the Cabinet as a Proper Cabinet Location is Always Operate the Unit Minimize Disturbances to
Storage Area Critical Continuously Airflow Barrier
Overloading the cabinet with unnecessary items can External airflow disturbances (doors, excessive To maintain the airflow barrier and prevent Work in a controlled and steady manner, avoiding
affect cabinet airflow and containment. human traffic, windows, diffusers, air conditioner contaminants from escaping. rapid movements.
outlets) can compromise containment.

The Cabinet Must Be Observe Surface Allow for Observe Correct Sash
Certified Annually Decontamination Purge Cycles Opening Height
This ensures cabinet airflows and containment Decontaminate work zone with cleaning agents Leave the blower on before and after use to purge Always set the sash to the work height when
factors are within safe limits. The cabinet should also after every use. Germicidal UV-lamps are not a the work zone of any contaminants. working in the cabinet.
be re-certified if it is physically relocated to ensure substitute for good cleaning practices.
no filter damage has occurred.

Only Trained Personnel Should Wear Proper Work Within Observe Proper
Use the Cabinet Work Attire the Safe Areas Aseptic Technique
Access control provisions (key switch and/or Wearing a lab coat (to protect the operator from DO NOT obstruct any of the air grilles in the front or Plan your work before starting and place all items
password protection feature) are standard features splashes) as well as double gloving (over the cuffs) back of the work zone. Work as deep into the work inside the cabinet before use (this avoids having
on most Esco cabinets. should be practiced. zone as possible. to take your arms out from the work zone which
disturbs the air barrier). Always work from “clean”
to “dirty”, segregating contaminated and non-
contaminated materials.

Esco Micro Pte Ltd

21 Changi South Street 1 Singapore 486777
@escolifesciences @escolifesci @esco escolifesciences.com

9010495_WORKING SAFELY IN YOUR BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINET_A4_vA_022421

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