Biosafety cabinets, often referred to as biological safety cabinets or "BSC"s, come in various types, each designed to serve different purposes and offer distinct levels of protection for personnel, products, and the environment. Class I biosafety cabinets are primarily used for personnel and environmental protection, featuring a front opening with a sash to provide a barrier between the operator and the contaminated material. These cabinets rely on negative pressure to prevent the escape of airborne contaminants, directing them through HEPA filters before releasing the air back into the laboratory or venting it safely outside.
Class II biosafety cabinets are further divided into four types (Type A1, A2, B1, and B2), each offering varying degrees of protection and functionality. Type A1 and A2 cabinets primarily provide protection for personnel, products, and the environment, with Type A2 offering additional protection against volatile chemicals. Type B1 cabinets are suitable for working with hazardous chemicals and microbiological agents, while Type B2 cabinets are designed for working with volatile toxic chemicals and radionuclides, offering the highest level of protection for both the operator and the environment.
Lastly, Class III biosafety cabinets, also known as glove boxes or glove bags, provide the highest level of containment, entirely enclosing the work area and operators within a gas-tight barrier. These cabinets are typically used for working with highly infectious agents or hazardous materials that require maximum protection against exposure. Class III cabinets feature attached gloves for handling materials inside the cabinet, as well as specialized air filtration systems to ensure that no contaminants escape into the laboratory environment. Overall, the key differences between biosafety cabinets lie in their design, functionality, and level of protection offered, catering to the specific needs of different laboratory applications and safety requirements.
