Biological Safety Cabinet
Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) are among the most common and effective primary containment devices used in laboratories to protect individuals from splashes and aerosols when working with biological agents. Properly maintained BSCs, when used in conjunction with good microbiological techniques, provide an effective containment system for the safe manipulation of low, moderate, and high-risk microorganisms (Risk Groups 1-3). BSCs require regular maintenance by professional technicians to ensure they function properly and provide the necessary protection to personnel, products, and the environment.
Biosafety Cabinets are rated by levels and are typically Class I and II in most laboratories. Occasionally a Class III hood is used and is notable because of its similarity to a glove box.
BSCs must be certified at least annually, upon installation, and whenever they are
moved. The annual inspections are scheduled by the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
office.
Purchasing a Biosafety Cabinet
EHS must be notified upon purchase of a new BSC so that inventory and contracts may
be updated. Please complete and submit the Biological Safety Cabinet Request Form. For assistance with the BSC selection, or if there are questions regarding delivery
and installation, contact EHS at safety@tcu.edu or 817-257-5395.
Maintenance and Inspection
All BSC annual inspections are scheduled by EHS through an approved vendor and invoiced
to respective departments. To request service, please complete the Biological Safety
Cabinet Service Form and email it to safety@tcu.edu.
Recordkeeping
Documentation of user training, maintenance, service, and annual inspections shall
be retained by the Principal Investigator (PI) or respective department and made accessible
upon request.
Resources & Forms
TCU Integrated Laboratory Management Plan (work in progress)
Biological Safety Cabinet Request Form
Biological Safety Cabinet Service Form (work in progress)
TCU Lab Hood Differences
TCU Placement of Biosafety Cabinet
TCU Working Safely in a Biosafety Cabinet
TCU Biosafety Level 2 Commissioning Checklist
OSHA Fact Sheet on Biosafety Cabinets
Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC): How It Works to Protect You
When to Replace a BSC
BSC Safety Poster
Training
In-person training for specific instrument usage is provided by the laboratory PI.
For further training information, please contact EHS at safety@tcu.edu or 817-257-5395.