Basics of Biological Safety Cabinets

Biological safety cabinets are a vital piece of equipment for laboratories, especially during a response such as the COVID-19. Basic knowledge of biological safety cabinets is key to protecting those working in labs and the general public.

The Canadian Biosafety Standard (3.7.1) states that certified biological safety cabinets and other primary containment devices are required in your lab based on work activities. It is up to individual labs to determine what work activities would require a biological safety cabinet, and which biological safety cabinet class is most suitable for this work.

There are different classes of biological safety cabinets to choose from based on your work requirements. Below are the three (3) classes of biological safety cabinets along with brief descriptions. The Canadian Biosafety Handbook and the National Sanitation Foundation 49 standard provides more information:

1. Class I, offers personnel and environmental protection from the samples
2. Class II, offers personnel, environmental and product protection
• Class II can be further separated into 4 types (A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1)
• Each type offers variable safety parameters (most common Class of biological safety cabinet selected)
3. Class III, offers personnel, environmental and product protection as it is a sealed chamber

Some factors to consider when selecting a biological safety cabinet for your lab include physical footprint, operational requirements, and testing requirements. When it comes to physical footprint, consider the size and the process required to operate it properly (i.e. doors, vents, and diffusers). Standard operating procedures and specialized training will need to be developed. Testing considerations are also crucial due to the importance and danger of the work done in a biological safety cabinet. Biological safety cabinets used for work with pathogens or toxins must be tested annually and after any repairs, modifications or relocation.

This article is only a brief overview of biological safety cabinets. Detailed training is available through our e-learning portal. If you have any questions, please contact the Centre for Biosecurity at biosafety.biosecurite@phac-aspc.gc.ca.