Purchasing Guide: Biological Safety Cabinets
Biological safety cabinets are crucial for the safety of staff and the protection of products, so it’s important to know when these units should be upgraded
Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) create contaminant-free working environments, protecting sensitive samples from the many impurities present in the laboratory environment. They also keep workers safe from the potentially hazardous or infectious samples they are working with. Purchasing the right unit for your application and using it as recommended will ensure you get the most out of your BSC. For a list of BSC manufacturers, see our online directory: LabManager.com/BSC-manufacturers
6 Questions to Ask When Buying a Biological Safety Cabinet:
- What class/type of BSC do you need for your application?
- Where can you place your BSC to avoid turbulent airflow (e.g., away from doors and high-traffic areas)?
- What material is the workspace made of? Does your application require epoxy coating, 316L stainless steel, or other specialized materials?
- What type of gas services (vacuum aspiration, CO2 inlet, etc.) do you need?
- Will the BSC’s lighting and noise allow staff to work comfortably in it for several hours?
- How will you train your staff on proper technique and safety precautions?
Should You Upgrade Your BSC?
BSCs are crucial for the safety of staff and the protection of products, so it’s important to know when these units should be upgraded. Learn more here: LabManager.com/upgrade-BSC
Ergonomic BSC Usage
If several people will be using the new BSC, consider investing in a unit with a motorized hydraulic height adjustment feature so that each user can work at the height most comfortable for them and avoid the risks associated with poor ergonomics.