Conducting a risk assessment is one of the first steps recommended before conducting new experiments that may expose workers to hazardous conditions or materials.
What is a risk assessment?
A risk assessment is the process of assessing the likelihood (chance) and consequence (severity) of exposure to hazards present in the workplace.
The steps differ per organization, but in general the aim is to:
How can the identified risks be limited or eliminated?
There are 5 levels of hazard exposure control, ranked from most to least effective:
How does my risk assessment fit into the choice of a Bio Safety Cabinet?
Broadly speaking there are three classes of BSCs (class I, class II and class III) which provide different levels and types of protection.
Cabinets from class I function similarly to chemical extractor hoods, drawing room air into the cabinet, directing it through the work area and then exhausting that air without recirculating. Class I cabinets protect personnel and the environment, but do not protect the product.
If your risk assessment indicates that the product needs to be protected from external contaminants, the choice will be to select a Class II biological safety cabinet or Class III biological safety cabinet.
Inside class II there are five types: A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1. These types mainly differ in the percentage of air that is recirculated versus the percentage of air that is extracted and how they are connected to the building's exhaust system.
Class III Bio Safety Cabinets provide the highest level of protection because they are gas tight, and all exhaust air must pass through two HEPA filters in series or through one HEPA filter and an air incinerator before being released. They also provide product protection and are usually used for very hazardous work involving potentially infectious aerosols.
Once you have determined the risks and the effects of the risks, the choice of type of BSC can be made.
Keep in mind that BSCs are mechanical devices with many moving parts that require proper installation and maintenance.
At Led techno we have the necessary knowledge to assist you in choosing BSC, as well as offering installation and validation services.
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