Learn the essentials of Class II Biological Safety Cabinets, including biosafety levels, certification requirements, and maintenance standards under BS EN 12469. Our FAQ answers common questions from UK laboratories about safe operation and compliance.
A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) is a ventilated enclosure designed to provide protection for personnel, the environment and the product. It achieves this through a combination of inward airflow at the front opening, HEPA-filtered downflow within the work zone, and HEPA-filtered exhaust air.
Class II Cabinets are typically used for work with biosafety level 1, 2, and 3 agents. They are not suitable for BSL-4 pathogens.
Certification should be carried out at least annually, or after any relocation, filter replacement, or major maintenance. Certification ensures that airflow and HEPA filters meet performance standards.
Regular maintenance of a Biosafety Cabinet is critical to ensure safety and sterility of products. AES provides a comprehensive range of maintenance services including:
• Mechanical Inspection: This includes the motor/ blower unit, vibration mountings, switch functions, gaskets, pre-filters and HEPA filters.
• Check for System Integrity: Challenge HEPA filters for leakage using an aerosol test in accordance with BS EN 12469 and recognised filter integrity testing procedures such as ISO 14644-3.
• Integrity of work zone: Test for induced air leakage in the work area.
• Prevent cross contamination in the work area: Check and adjust air velocity and uniformity of airflows.
• Establish HEPA filter life and performance: Measure static pressure of filters and electronic motor current.
• Check environment factors: Measure light output, sound level and germicidal ultraviolet lamp efficiency.
• Repair and adjust to specification: When necessary and whenever possible, on-site repairs are included in our services.
A full range of services provided by AES Environmental can be found on our service page here.