Biological Safety Cabinets for Laboratories

Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) for Laboratory Personnel, Product & Environmental Protection

When handling biohazardous materials, viral vectors, cell cultures, infectious agents, or sensitive sterile workflows, a properly selected biological safety cabinet (BSC) is a critical engineering control. According to the CDC’s BMBL guidelines, BSCs are essential for preventing exposure to infectious aerosols and protecting sample integrity.

At ARES Scientific, we offer BSCs that provide personnel, product, and environmental protection through HEPA-filtered airflow, controlled containment, and ergonomic design.

Our BSC portfolio covers all major classes—including Class II (A1, A2, B1, B2), and Class III glove-box configurations—serving research labs, clinical diagnostics, compounding pharmacies, and manufacturing facilities. These solutions help organizations align with NIH’s biosafety expectations for containment and sterile work.

When selecting a biological safety cabinet, key factors include cabinet class and type, airflow design, exhaust/recirculation path, HEPA filter certification, ergonomics, UV or LED lighting, sash configuration, and serviceability. OSHA’s laboratory safety recommendations emphasize matching equipment performance to the hazards and workflow. ARES Scientific helps you evaluate these considerations and align them with your facility’s biosafety level, workflow requirements, and compliance mandates.

Key Selection Factors for Biological Safety Cabinets

Cabinet Class & Type: Class I provides personnel and environmental protection only; Class II adds product protection; Class III is a fully enclosed glovebox for maximum containment.
Airflow Design & Exhaust Path: Evaluate recirculating HEPA systems vs. hard-ducted exhaust, especially for chemical or aerosol-generating workflows.
Work Zone Size & Configuration: Choose appropriate width (e.g., 1 m, 1.2 m), depth, viewing window height, and sash style to match workflow ergonomics and equipment footprint.
Filtration & Certification: Ensure compliance with NSF/ANSI 49, maintain HEPA filters on schedule, and document annual certifications.
Ergonomics & Utility Features: Look for angled sashes, adjustable stands, low-glare lighting, interior outlets, gas/vacuum ports, and service-friendly construction.
Compliance & Service Plan: Select vendors offering installation, certification, validation documentation, annual maintenance and calibration support for GMP/GLP facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Biological Safety Cabinets

What is a biological safety cabinet (BSC)?

A BSC is a ventilated enclosure that uses HEPA-filtered airflow to protect personnel, samples, and the environment from exposure to infectious aerosols or potentially hazardous biological materials. It is a primary containment device recommended by the CDC and NIH for safe laboratory practices.

How do I choose Class I vs Class II vs Class III?

Class I offers operator and environmental protection only. Class II provides operator, product, and environmental protection and is the most common choice for cell culture, microbiology, and sterile compounding. Class III cabinets are gas-tight gloveboxes designed for the highest-risk BSL-3/BSL-4 workflows requiring maximum containment.

Can I use chemicals in a BSC?

Generally, no—unless the BSC is specifically designed for chemical compatibility and properly ducted. Most BSCs are not chemical fume hoods and are intended for biological workflows unless accompanied by a canopy or hard-duct exhaust system.

How often should a BSC be certified?

Certification is required at installation, after relocation or repair, and annually thereafter. The process verifies HEPA filter integrity, inflow/downflow performance, and sash function in accordance with NSF/ANSI 49 and institutional biosafety requirements.