Biological safety cabinet operating procedure

Once a HEPA filter has been used in a biological safety cabinet it has been potentially contaminated with microorganisms and special care must be taken when it is removed so that the personnel carrying out this operation are not exposed to these contaminants. There are recommended procedures for bagging out dirty HEPA filters. 

Protections include engineering controls, such as biological safety cabinets, controlled access and airlocks, ventilation systems, showers, decontamination facilities, and potentially separate buildings. There are also administrative controls, such as protection from needle and other punctures and cuts ( sharps ), written manuals for operations, and other procedures. There are recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) for each BSL. 

PRIMARY CONTAINMENT A system of containment which prevents the escape of a biological agent into the immediate working environment It involves the use of dosed containers or safety biological cabinets along with secure operating procedures. 

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