7. how frequently should your biosafety cabinet be certified?
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Field certification of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC’s) is regulated by the NSF/ANSI 49 Standard, Biosafety Cabinetry: Design, Construction, Performance, and Field Certification, Annex F Field Tests. Section F.1, Field Certification Preconditions and Intervals, discusses when it is necessary to certify BSC’s. In the second paragraph it states, Show
“To ensure that all cabinet operating criteria contained in this annex continue to be met, each cabinet should be field tested at the time of installation and at least annually thereafter. In addition, recertification should be performed whenever HEPA/ULPA filters are changed, maintenance repairs are made to internal parts, or a cabinet is relocated. More frequent recertification should be considered for particularly hazardous or critical applications or workloads. It is customary for the person conducting the designated tests to affix to the cabinet a certificate of satisfactory performance when the cabinet meets all field test criteria.” On this same topic, the CDC/NIH guideline document Bio-Safety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 5th Edition, Appendix A, Section VII, Certification of BSC’s, states, “The operational integrity of a BSC must be validated before it is placed into service and after it has been repaired or relocated. Relocation may break the HEPA filter seals or otherwise damage the filters or the cabinet. Each BSC should be tested and certified at least annually to ensure continued, proper operation.” Both of the above references use the term “Relocated” as the measure of requiring recertification. Vertical up and down BSC movement on a motorized basestand is not relocation as intended by either of these documents. The height adjustment up and down movement does not cause the vibration necessary to harm or breach the integrity of the HEPA filters. The height adjustment up and down movement is a very slow and smooth movement typical driven by a hydraulic system. If the height adjustment is used in conjunction with an exhausted BSC (i.e. type B1/B2 or canopy connected type A2), the site assessment certification test should include airflow verification throughout the range of motion. The duct connection itself should be made with flexible PVC duct material. Both of the above references use the term “Relocated” as the measure of requiring recertification. Vertical up and down BSC movement on a motorized basestand is not relocation as intended by either of these documents. The height adjustment up and down movement does not cause the vibration necessary to harm or breach the integrity of the HEPA filters. The height adjustment up and down movement is a very slow and smooth movement typical driven by a hydraulic system. If the height adjustment is used in conjunction with an exhausted BSC (i.e. type B1/B2 or canopy connected type A2), the site assessment certification test should include airflow verification throughout the range of motion. The duct connection itself should be made with flexible PVC duct material.  NuAire has been offering both electric and hydraulic adjustable basestands for well over 15 years with no reported issues of HEPA filter leaks during routine field certification. The use of height adjustment for BSC’s has many proven ergonomic benefits to aid in reducing workplace injuries. The NIOSH Report, HEPA 95-0294-2594 from the National Cancer Institute specifically recommends the use of adjustability of height on BSC’s as an engineering control to reduce Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s). Height adjustment allows the individual researcher to set the BSC height to an optimal position for maximum ergonomic benefit. If further questions arise regarding this topic, please contact NuAire technical service at 763-553-1270 or visit www.nuaire.com. Annex F, Section F.1.” NSF/ANSI 49 Standard-2011. Vol. 2011. Ann Arbor, 2011. F1. Print. Chosewood, L. Casey, and Deborah E. Wilson,, eds. “Appendix A, Section VII.” Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. 5th ed. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009. 308. Print. Biological Safety cabinets (BSC) and other HEPA filters containing equipment such as in-line HEPA filters and laminar flow hoods (LFH) must be assessed on an annual basis to ensure that they are providing the appropriate product, personnel and/or environment protection. In addition to providing protection to the researcher and the experiment, the certification also ensures compliance with UBC policies and standards. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Health, Safety and Environment at or (250)807-8656. Certification Service ProviderFor testing and certification services of biological safety cabinets (BSCs), laminar flow hoods (LFH) and in-line HEPA filters at UBC and its affiliates, the University has designated H.E.P.A. Filter Services Inc. as the sole service provider. Certification of HEPA filtration units (BSC and LFH) is coordinated by Health, Safety and Environment to ensure efficient service to the Okanagan campus. Policies and StandardsThe certification of HEPA filtered equipment is in compliance with the following standards and guidelines:
Important Note about BSCsAdditional times a BSC needs to be certified:
Using the BSC for non-hazardous workA BSC must be re-certified even when it is used for non-hazardous materials (i.e. pouring media, working with DNA etc.). As the BSC is designed to provide product, personnel and/or environment protection, it must be tested yearly to ensure that it is functioning according to specifications. BSCs that are not re-certified when required will be signed as “Out of Order”. Important Note about LFHsAlthough not mandatory, we recommend your laminar flow hood is annually re-certified as you are using it to ensure the sterility of your product. How frequently should your biosafety cabinet be certified?BSCs must be certified when installed, whenever they are moved and at least annually [29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(2) (iii)(B)]. Employers should ensure that a risk assessment has been completed and approved for the work to be conducted and to identify the class and type of BSC needed for the operation or procedure.
How often should biological safety cabinets BSC be tested?11.3 Testing and Certification
The required elements for testing and certification of BSCs are described in Matrix 5.1 of the CBS. Testing BSCs upon initial installation, annually, and after any repairs, modifications or relocation demonstrates that they are operating as designed.
How long do biosafety cabinets last?The best biological safety cabinets have a long useful life, often in excess of 20 years. Designs change over time, with an emphasis placed on user comfort, performance and sustainability – but safety and performance should never be compromised.
How often should biological safety cabinets be decontaminated?Decontamination and Cleaning
Decontaminate the BSC before and after every use to prevent cross-contamination. One method is to use a 1:10 fresh bleach solution followed by a 70% ethanol rinse to avoid corrosion and achieve good disinfection.
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