Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are primary safety equipment commonly found in many BSL-2 laboratories. They protect the user with inward directional airflow to the testing environment, which uses high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration and downward HEPA airflow to keep products/specimens clean. BSC HEPA filters protect against particulates (e.g., small pathogens in the air in droplets or aerosols, etc.). HEPA filters are designed to trap particulates only and are ineffective against the containment of fumes and vapors.
Laboratory procedures likely to generate aerosols or droplets should be performed using a currently certified Class II Type A1 or A2 BSC or additional precautions to provide a barrier between the specimen and personnel.
Additional precautions include PPE, such as a surgical mask or a face shield, or other physical barriers, like a splash shield; centrifuge safety cups; and sealed centrifuge rotors or safety cups to reduce the risk of exposure to laboratory personnel.
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