Biosafety Cabinets

Introduction

BIosafety Cabinets (BSC's) differ from chemical fume hoods in that they do not ventilate through a smoke-stack above or outside the building. Rather, these systems have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which filter the air and recirculate that air inside the hood to maintain a safe work environment. Due to these principle differences, all infectious materials must be used in a BSC, whereas all chemicals that produce noxious fumes or vapors must be used in a chemical fume hood, not in a BSC.

To promote safe work practices while using a Biosafety Cabinet (BSC), EH&S has developed a Biosafety Cabinet Program which identifies both standard operating procedures and safe work practices.

Recertification of BSC's and Hoods

Note that it is the responsibility of the department or governing college to have all fume hoods and biosafety cabinets certified and properly maintained by a qualified contractor. Failure to attain such certification may result in compliance violations in an inspection and subject to fines by a regulatory agency.