With the lifespan of biosafety cabinets being over 15 years, it is imperative to understand what factors contribute to their longevity and optimal performance.

In this resource hub, SelectScience^® has teamed up with NuAire to equip you with the expertise needed to make informed decisions and maintain the highest laboratory safety standards. Lab managers and technicians, whether seasoned professionals or newcomers to the field, will find invaluable insights on becoming savvy buyers, owners, and operators of biosafety cabinets. Learn how to select the right cabinet, maintain it for efficiency, and navigate workflows tailored to low and medium-risk environments.

Join us on a journey through the lifecycle of biosafety cabinets, organized into the key phases of a biosafety cabinet's life, starting from the crucial stages of selection, configuration, and installation, guiding you seamlessly through ongoing use and maintenance, and, finally, in the safe retirement of your equipment after years of service.

The whitepapers in this resource hub were authored by Julianne Baron, PhD, CPH, RBP of Science and Safety Consulting.

Conducting a risk assessment is one of the first steps recommended before performing new experiments that may expose workers to hazardous conditions or materials.

The risk assessment process for selecting a biosafety cabinet involves many key considerations to ensure safety and functionality. Other important factors include the equipment's dimensions, sensitivity to vibrations, operating temperature requirements, electrical requirements, and need for connection to utilities. Additionally, it is essential to consider the location of associated equipment and the biosafety cabinet’s ability to contain aerosols.

A biosafety cabinet should provide adequate containment, functionality, and access to the equipment, be located in the lab where it can properly function, connect to utilities, and be field certified. Consulting with safety experts from the start of the selection process is crucial.

While standard biosafety cabinets meet the needs of most laboratories, there are instances where a bespoke or custom cabinet is necessary. These custom cabinets are designed to accommodate unique requirements that standard models cannot fulfill.

Proper laboratory layout is crucial for the successful installation of a biosafety cabinet and for optimizing its performance, safety, and functionality within the laboratory environment.

Work with biological agents, especially unknown specimens that may generate aerosols, droplets, or splashes, or work with high concentrations or large volumes of materials should be conducted within a primary containment device, often a biosafety cabinet. Therefore, the biosafety cabinet is a critical engineering control used to minimize exposure to biohazardous materials.

However, users may or may not be trained specifically to use it – especially those working at lower levels of containment.

Within the context of a larger biosafety training program, inclusion of specific information and hands-on training on the appropriate practices and procedures for working within a biosafety cabinet can assist workers in safely handling or manipulating biological materials.

Decontamination is also important to ensure the biosafety cabinet's work zone is free from contamination. A risk assessment should be conducted to choose a suitable disinfectant for the microorganisms used, as different microorganisms require different disinfectants based on their resistance levels. Material compatibility is crucial when using corrosive disinfectants, such as chlorine bleach, which may require additional steps to remove residues and prevent damage to the biosafety cabinet. Following proper decontamination procedures helps maintain a safe and clean environment for handling biological materials.

It is important to consider the highest standards of biosafety and laboratory stewardship to ensure the longevity, efficiency, and safety of your biosafety cabinet throughout its lifecycle. Proper maintenance and retirement are essential elements of responsible laboratory management, safeguarding both personnel and research integrity.

In this section, we explore routine maintenance practices and adherence to industry guidelines to uphold the performance and containment capabilities of your biosafety cabinet and mitigate the risk of contamination.

View the resources below to find out how addressing the key aspects of biosafety cabinet maintenance is crucial for safety and compliance. Regular field certification and gas decontamination are essential throughout the cabinet's life, ensuring it meets safety standards and maintains a sterile environment.

Ongoing maintenance through certification and decontamination is the primary focus for a cabinet's lifecycle. When a biosafety cabinet reaches the end of its service life, safe decommissioning and disposal is also important. Our expert insights will help you navigate this process, ensuring safety and minimizing environmental impact.

Maximizing the lifespan of a biosafety cabinet requires careful attention to its selection, maintenance, and eventual retirement. By following industry best practices for installation, regular field certifications, and decontamination procedures, laboratories can ensure the cabinet continues to provide reliable containment and functionality over its 15+ year lifespan.

Proper training, risk assessments, and adherence to safety standards not only safeguard personnel but also preserve the integrity of research. With the right care and planning, your biosafety cabinet will remain a critical asset in promoting a safe and productive laboratory environment.