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  • This instructional video discusses how

  • to safely use a biosafety cabinet.

  • Topics covered are:

  • When to use a biosafety cabinet.

  • How to verify proper function.

  • How to safely work in a cabinet.

  • What to do when your work is done.

  • Arizona State University uses biosafety cabinets

  • in research and teaching laborotories

  • when working with biological materials.

  • These cabinbets protect:

  • You and other lab workers,

  • agents or material you are working with,

  • the environment.

  • Always wear safety glasses, protective gloves,

  • and a laboratory coat before working in a biosafety cabinet.

  • At ASU, a biosafety cabinet is required

  • when working with infectious materials

  • or when there is a potential for aerosolization of a biohazard.

  • Follow these steps to verify proper cabinet function:

  • Turn on the lights and the blower.

  • Allow the unit to run for 10 minutes.

  • During blower warmup, ensure the sash is set to the recommended height.

  • Some cabinets have a height indicator and alarm if it is wrong.

  • Check the certification sticker on the cabinet to ensure

  • it has been certified within the last 12 months.

  • On the sticker note the pressure reference value and verify that the magnehelic gauge

  • reading is within 10 percent.

  • Clean and disinfect all interior surfaces of the cabinet,

  • including the inside of the sash.

  • When using a biosafety cabinet,

  • place all materials inside the cabinet before starting work.

  • Maintain the protective barrier.

  • Work safely within the designated work area.

  • Disinfect items before removing them from the cabinet

  • Keep the minimum ammount of materials in the cabinet.

  • Do not block vents.

  • Verify all the materials you need are in the cabinet.

  • The biosafety cabinet protects you by drawing the air from the lab to

  • the front grill below the sash.

  • Air is filtered and recirculated from the top of the cabinet and passed down

  • inbetween the front and rear grills.

  • The air curtain created by the cabinet is what protects you.

  • You should always feel the air pulling into the cabinet.

  • Always use slow and deliberate hand movements to prevent flow disruption.

  • Never block front and back grills.

  • The safe working area in the cabinet is at least six inches from the front grill,

  • and four inches from the back.

  • When working in the cabinet, maintain a separate space for clean

  • and contanimated materials to avoid cross-contamination.

  • Avoid crossing over the center of the work area as much as possible.

  • When you work is complete, close all containers.

  • Disinfect containers and equipment before removing them from the cabinet.

  • Discard all the waste properly.

  • Clean and disinfect all interrior surfaces of the cabinet.

  • Including the inside of the sash,

  • Do not clean the HEPA filter.

  • Turn off the blower and light.

  • To properly use a biosafety cabinet:

  • Verify the proper function of the cabinet

  • Maintain the invisble air curtain

  • Make sure you clean your work area and turn off the blower.

  • For more resources, visit the EHS Biosafety and Biosecurity website to review

  • biosafety cabinet procedures and decontamination guidelines.

  • If you have any questions about biosafety cabinets,

  • email the biosafety officer at: biosafety@asu.edu or call 480-965-1823.

This instructional video discusses how

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