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Department of Biochemistry
School of Molecular Sciences Safe Work Procedure
BIOSAFETY CABINET
Biological Safety
Cabinets
The Biological Safety Cabinet Class II is a 'containment' Laminar
Flow Cabinet designed to provide a sterile environment and protect the
worker from biohazardous material.
The cabinet shall be located away from sources which affect containment
such as doorways, passageways, air diffusers or air conditioners. It
shall also be located so as to permit exhaust of decontamination gases
to atmosphere. Inspection and testing shall be conducted immediately
prior to use routinely and at least annually, and after any relocation
or repair is carried out. No biosafety cabinet shall be used unless a
current NATA certificate of compliance with Australian Standards is
displayed on the cabinet.
A sterile work zone is maintained by blowing sterile (filtered) air onto
the work surface from above. The majority of this air is recirculated
through the main filter but approximately 15% is exhausted through a
separated absolute filter. 'Make up' air is drawn in at the front of the
cabinet to produce an air curtain between the work zone and the operator
/ and environment, ie. give barrier containment.
Use for
manipulations involving biohazards material (eg. human blood, cells,
tissue, infectious agents), particularly when sterile conditions are
required.
situations where significant quantities of biohazardous aerosols are
likely to be produced by centrifugation, vortexing, sonication,
blending, open ampoules etc.
Do NOT use for
Hazardous chemicals
Radio-isotopes
UV Hazard
BioSafety Cabinets use a UV lamp for sterilisation of the work surface.
The UV lamp is a hazard, especially to eyes, and must only be operated
with the doors in place. Training in the safe use of the cabinet will be
provided in the Work Area.
BioSafety Cabinets: Monitoring and Testing
BioSafety Cabinets are tested annually for performance by a NATA
certified testing company (Laminar Air Flow Services) to AS1807 method
1, 5, 6, 15, 22 and a test certificate is placed on the unit. Do not use
the cabinet unless it has a current NATA test certificate attached.
Applicable Standards and Regulations
Australian Standard 1807.0-2000 Cleanrooms, Workstations, Safety
Cabinets and Pharmaceutical Isolators - Methods of Test
Australian Standard 1386 Cleanrooms and Clean Workstations
Australian Standard 2252. Part 2 Laminar Flow Biological Safety Cabinets
(Class II) for Personnel Protection
Australian Standard 2647. Biological Safety Cabinets - Installation and
Use
Guidelines for small scale Genetic Manipulation Work. GMAC April 1995
Australian Standard AS 1336-1982, Recommended Practices for Eye
Protection in the Industrial Environment.
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