CERTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL
SAFETY CABINETS (BSCs) IN KENYA
HILLTOP HOTEL-KIGALI (RWANDA)
17TH - 19TH DECEMBER , 2014.
Beth Njaramba
Bio Medical Engineering, MOH-NPHLS(KENYA)
Email:[email protected]
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Certification of Biological Safety Cabinet
(BSCs)What is a Biological Safety Cabinet?
A BSC is a cabinet or enclosure that uses directional
airflow and HEPA filters to provide personnel,
environment and product protection
BSCs are installed in the laboratories to ensure safe
environment for the staff.
The BSCs have to be fully maintained and certified to
achieve this safety.
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
continued;
In our day to day laboratory practice, aerosols particles
are created by any activity that imparts energy into a
liquid or semi- liquid material such as pipetting,
grinding and centrifuging of infectious material.
In line with Laboratory safety regulations, BSCs are
installed to ensure a safe working environment for the
laboratory staff.
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Elements of Biocontainment
When choosing a BSC for your use, one ought to consider:
Practices and procedures
Facility Design
Safety Equipment
The proper mix of the three elements is assessed by the
needs and specific hazards of the facilityISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Types of BSCs
Biological Safety Cabinets are generally broken into three
categories.
CLASS I
CLASS II (A1, A2, B1, B2)
CLASS III
-We also have Chemical Fume Hoods and Laminar Flows
which are NOT BSCs.
-Its of important to note that each BSC has its own
constructional design, inflow and downflow velocity
rate.ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Types of Protection
Personnel Product Environment
Chemical Fume Hoods
(Protection from vapours &
gases only)
x
Lamina Flow/ Clean Benches
(Protection from particulates)
x
Class I Biological Safety
Cabinets
(Protection from
particulates)
x x
Class II & III Biological
Safety Cabinets
(Protection from particulates)
x x xISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
BSCs Certification
A BSC that is not certified as recommended, will not comply
with the internationally set security and operation procedures for
the BSCs.
To ensure a BSC is safe to work with, it is important to ensure
that all its parameters are checked as often as
required/recommended.
Delay in maintaining of the BSCs posses high risk to the society
The engineers trained in certification, have to ensure that the
exercise is effectively and efficiently carried out.
NSF and EN standards are commonly used to carry out this
exercise
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Certification..........
To ensure a BSC is safe to work with, it is important to ensure that
all its parameters are checked as often as required.
Check on Down Flow Velocity
Check on Inflow Velocity
Check on the HEPA Filter efficiency
Check on the Smoke Pattern Tests
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Certification..........
The product protection is achieved by having the correct inflow
and downflow velocities
The personnel protection is achieved by having the correct inflow
and down flow velocities
The environment protection is achieved by ensuring the Exhaust
HEPA (High Efficient Particulate Air) filter is not clogged or
leaking.
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Chart on testing schedule
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Certifiers/Engineers prepare the BSC for
Certification
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
A Certifier Performing a Smoke Pattern
Test
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
BSC sensetation workshop for Biomedical
Engineers
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Certification/Training Session
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Results
Guaranteed functionality and liability
Guaranteed safety for the Personnel, Product and
Environment
More efficient and effective results in the laboratories.
Minimize corrective cost and maximize equipment
lifespan
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Conclusion Its important to note that a BSC should be decontaminated prior to
filter change, if access to contaminated area is required and if its
moved or its to be disposed.
The are two International Standards commonly used when certifying
a BSC; NSF and EN standards. The standard to be used in a
particular BSC is usually indicated on that specific BSC data plate.
A trained personnel will carry out the certification exercise and must
issue the following documents to the client
Test report: a fully detailed report indicating the type of equipments
used in certifying the BSC, standards used, details of the BSC,
expected results, achieved results and if it has passed or failed
Post a Certification Certificate on the BSC ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Post a sticker Indicating the state of the BSCs
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
To achieve Best Results
Locate the BSC away from the doors, air supply vents
and heavy traffic areas
Keep the doors and windows closed when working on
BSC to prevent drafts
Clean the surface area with disinfectant
Allow cabinet to run for 10min before use
Place the equipments to be used in a BSC and don’t
overcrowd them
Monitor the magneheric gauge
Keep the back and front grills clearISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Continued:
Segregate dirty and clean items to avoid cross
contamination within the BSC.
Avoid constant in & out motion at the face of cabinet as
this will draw air out of cabinet
Don’t use a Bunsen Burner or open flames as this is a
fire hazard and can damage the HEPA Filter. Micro-
incinerators are preferred
Practice good aseptic technique to ensure safe use
Take care of spills immediately
Use proper PPEISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
USE OF ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHTS
Not recommended in a BSCs because;
Known to cause injury to the cornea hence eye cataract.
Causes skin burning leading to skin cancer
Not 100% efficient.(Clean weekly by disinfectant e.g. 70%
alcohol)
Expensive due to frequent replacement.
CDC,NIH and NSF discourage use of UV lights.
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Para Formaldehyde Decontamination
BSCs should be decontaminated
Prior to filter change
If access to contaminated area is required
If the cabinet is to be moved or disposed
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
Safety is everybody’s responsibility
and it starts with you, ‘BE SAFE’
Every cadre needs capacity building.
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
ISSN 2313-285X = University without borders for the open society Volume: 4
