Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet

A biological safety cabinet (BSC) is the primary means of containment developed for working safely with infectious microorganisms. Class II BSCs, the most common cabinets used in laboratories, are designed to provide personnel protection (for you and those around you), product protection (for your samples or specimens), and environmental protection.

This basic-level eLearning course module provides information on the safe use of Class II biological safety cabinets. Topics covered include major parts of a BSC, how a BSC works, how to work safely inside a BSC, and what to do if there is an emergency while working in a BSC. Videos, interactive exercises, job aids, and a modifiable checklist template are included in the course to enhance the learning experience.

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the major parts of a Class II BSC
• Discuss general facts about BSCs
• List the factors that affect BSC airflow
• Describe the preparation steps for work in a BSC
• Describe the practices for working safely in a BSC
• Describe the steps for completion of work in a BSC
• Describe the BSC procedures to follow in an emergency