What are microbiological safety cabinets?
Microbiological safety cabinets are purpose-built ventilated enclosures that help to maintain safety in labs where researchers are working with biological agents, micro-organisms, cell cultures, human and animal tissues, and other fluids.
MSCs protect operators and lab environments by containing potentially hazardous fumes, aerosols, diseases and gasses released during work with biological substances. They also help to protect the integrity of product samples, reducing the risk of issues like cross-contamination.
As a critical part of many lab or clean room setups, the proper use of an MSC is essential for maintaining compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
What are the different classes of safety cabinets?
Manufacturers produce MSCs in three classes, which protect against different risk levels depending on the samples being worked on. Here’s a quick overview:
Class I microbiological safety cabinets are the most basic on the market and are suitable for lower-risk work. They offer protection to the operative and the environment surrounding them but won’t necessarily protect samples from contamination
Class II microbiological safety cabinets are the most commonly used units in labs and other settings, and offer much better protection for the sample, the operator and their environment.
Class III microbiological safety cabinets offer greatly enhanced protection up to Biosafety Level 4 containment, making them suitable for the most hazardous work. These cabinets are completely enclosed, which means fumes and other potentially harmful substances can’t leak out. To ensure safe sample handling, gloves are part of Class III cabinet designs, which is why you’ll often hear them called ‘glove boxes’.
Where do you find microbiological safety cabinets?
Microbiological safety cabinets are relied on by operators working across many different settings, public and private, including universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare facilities.
Any organisation dealing with biological agents and microbiological substances will need microbiological safety cabinets to protect its operators, the environment and potentially the product sample as well.
Biological safety cabinet testing
Microbiological safety cabinets should be designed, installed and operated in strict accordance with BSEN12469 and COSHH . After installation, they must be regularly serviced, tested and maintained with oversight from a qualified person, which is why many organisations opt to work with a trusted supplier or contractor.
By law, microbiological safety cabinets should be tested and inspected regularly to make sure they remain safe, effective and compliant. A certificate of testing must be clearly visible on every cabinet in your setting, and reports should also be available for inspection by enforcing authorities.
How JLA can help you
Clients across multiple sectors trust JLA’s expertise in clean room design and sterile equipment, including MSCs. From lab fit outs and cabinet relocation, to servicing and repairs, we offer a full package of solutions from supply to inspection.
- Consultation in the design stage
- Supply
- Installation
- Regular servicing and inspections
- Maintenance and repair
- Compliance testing
- Refurbishment
- Relocation to a different property
To discuss your requirements, contact our experts today.
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