Tips when selecting the correct enclosure for your lab
A biological safety cabinet is also known as a BSC or a microbiological safety cabinet is used for safely working with materials requiring a defined biosafety level. Selecting the correct enclosure for your laboratory needs can be difficult. The first problem is the sheer number of names that are associated with “clean air” or “containment” work-stations.
You will hear references to:
- Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) / Biosafety Cabinets / Safety Cabinets*
- Class I, Class II A2, Class II B2, Class III
- Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSC)
- Laminar Flow Cabinets / Laminar Airflow Cabinets / Laminar Flow Hoods / LAFs / Clean Bench / Reverse Laminar Flow
- Horizontal Laminar Flow (HLF), Vertical Laminar Flow (VLF)
- Fume Hoods / Fume Cupboards / Ductless Fume Hoods
To help you select the correct product for your needs MSC have developed a simple decision map. To utilise this tool correctly firstly you will need to answer some basics questions pertaining to your research or routine work:
- Defining what needs to be protected
- Users from ‘risks’ associated with the work = OPERATOR PROTECTION
- What is being worked on (i.e. the sample or product) from contamination = PRODUCT PROTECTION
- The environment from ‘risks’ associated with your work = ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
- Is the nature of the risk biological, chemical or both?
- Exact details of the risk this may include biological safety level (BSL), chemicals used, quantity, duration, frequency
MSC Clean Air Containment Map
Download the MSC Clean Air Containment Decision Map a concise guide that will help you choose the correct enclosure for your requirements.
Please note this guide is not a substitute for a proper risk assessment. A risk assessment should always accompany the decision to purchase laboratory equipment for a new project.
MSC can supply a biological safety cabinet, laminar flow cabinet or fume hood to suit your requirements.
You can browse our full range here, or feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs with one of our technical specialists.
Get in Touch
*The use of the term “Safety Cabinet” is also commonly associated with chemical storage cabinets for more go to CDC.
