Biological Safety Cabinets, Biosafety Cabinets, or BSCs, provide personnel and environmental protection from biological hazards. Class II A2 cabinets, the most common type on campus, and Class II B2 cabinets, also provide product protection. BSCs should be used to protect users from infectious splashes and aerosols. In accordance with best practices described in the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) Manual and UI policy, BSCs are required to be certified after installation and again annually by a qualified technician. In addition, BSCs should always be decontaminated before being serviced or moved to a new location. After moving, BSCs are also required to be re-certified in their new location.
For more information about BSC certification, best practices, or training, please visit the Biosafety Cabinet Use page on our website. You may also reach us at bio-cabinet@uiowa.edu