Class I biological safety cabinet

Applications
Biological safety cabinets are the primary barrier against exposure to aerosols that may be produced from common microbiology procedures. BSC2000 Series cabinets  provide  personnel  and  environment protection in applications involving biological agents which are classified as being of ordinary, potential or special hazard. 

These cabinets are not designed for use with biological agents of extreme hazard. For microbiology applications requiring product protection as well as personnel and environment protection, BH2000 Class II cabinets should be specified. 
 
Australian and International Standards Compliance

Please refer to our Standards page. 

Description

BSC2000 Series cabinets are self-contained 100% exhaust containment enclosures which operate independently of other air-handling systems. Air from the work zone passes through a two-stage, high-efficiency filter system before being exhausted to the room. Cabinets are produced with work zone width of 90cm, 120cm or 180cm and may be installed on standard laboratory benches or on optional floor stands. 

Personnel and environment protection is provided by an inward flow of room air at the work opening and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration of exhaust air. The inward airflow sweeps aerosols generated during the work process away from the operator into the filter system. A prefilter protects the HEPA filter from large particles, and the HEPA filter removes particulate contaminants down to sub-micron size from the exhaust air. 

All positive pressure zones and filter seals are surrounded by negative pressure zones, so as to contain potentially hazardous aerosols. BSCA90 and BSCA120 cabinets have exhaust discharge on the right hand side, and optional left hand side or top exhaust is available. BSCA180 cabinets are produced with top exhaust only. 

Embodying advanced system-monitoring technology, enhanced ergonomics and styling, BSC2000 Series cabinets set a new standard in safety cabinet design and performance. 
 
Construction

Cabinet.
Constructed in electro-galvanised steel with joints welded using a gas-shielded arc process. This method produces a robust, gas-fight housing which is able to withstand the rigours of transport and handling. Exterior finish is in a special baked enamel which has been developed for laboratory equipment. 

Work zone.
Constructed in Grade 304 stainless steel with 2B finish. Corners are radiused and crevice-free for ease of cleaning and all surfaces are carefully dressed to remove sharp edges. 

A pneumatic mechanism opens and closes the viewing window without the need for external fasteners or catches. The window is self-supporting in the fully-open position to facilitate cleaning and access for large items. Opening the window with the cabinet running automatically engages a boost mode for enhanced containment by activating maximum exhaust airflow and the alarm systems. 

Fans.
A direct drive fan is fitted with a speed controller to enable airflows to be maintained through filter  life.  Audible  and  visible  alarms  with rechargeable battery back-up signify any variation in airflow. A manometer gauge located in the work zone monitors fan/filter system pressures. 

HEPA filters.
Clyde-Apac HEPA filters are manufactured to the most exacting standards for critical applications. Each filter is individually certified to achieve an arrestance efficiency of not less than 99.995% to the stringent BS3928 Sodium Flame test. All testing is conducted in a NATA-registered factory laboratory and a NATA-endorsed test label, being an extract of the test report, is affixed to each filter. 

Physical Data

Electrical and diagnostics.
A low-voltage touch-control panel is located on the front of the cabinet. A microprocessor-controlled diagnostic system provides continuous monitoring of critical cabinet functions with a digital display indicating the nature of any malfunction. The boost mode and a post-use over-run mode may be manually selected from the control panel. 

An integral fluorescent lamp housing reduces heat build-up near the operator. Glare-free lamps provide a minimum lighting intensity of 800 lux at the work floor. A splashproof, general purpose power outlet is fitted in the work zone. 

Quality Assurance and Control
Clyde-Apac laminar flow and HEPA filter products are manufactured in Australia under an accredited ISO-9001 Quality Management system. Please refer to our Standards page. 
 

Standard features 

Low  voltage touch controls

Diagnostics system with digital display monitoring critical functions

Alarms and Boost mode  automatically engaged when viewing window is open

Boost mode selectable at control panel

Selectable post-use over-run timer

Pneumatically-operated viewing window

Hourmeter to record operating time

Magnehelic gauge to monitor fan systems

Splashproof power outlet in work zone

Stainless steel work opening cover

Comprehensive operation and maintenance manual 

Options 

Additional power outlet

Germicidal UV lamp

Gas tap with solenoid valve

Vacuum tap

Floor stand

Exhaust discharge on left hand side or top for BSCA120

Fumigation adaptor panels for work opening and exhaust

On-site testing 
BSC2000 Series cabinets are factory-tested and certified by a NATA-registered laboratory. Additional
testing and certification should be carried out on site prior to use, and subsequently: 

After any electrical or mechanical maintenance 

After filter replacement 

After re-location 

At least annually 

In special circumstances, such as a significant change in the work programme, or where unsafe cabinet operation is suspected 

Laminar Air Flow Services, a NATA-registered laboratory and a division of Clyde-Apac, provides comprehensive on-site maintenance, testing and certification services for safety cabinets, laminar flow work  stations,  cleanrooms  and  HEPA  filter installations. This service is available from fully-equipped, NATA-registered laboratories in major Australian and International centres.