Safety cabinet – many people know it, but not everyone knows how to use it properly…

The design of a Class II workbench creates an air barrier at the work opening, which not only protects employees but also protects the product. The airflow is directed both from the outside through the work opening and from the interior of the workbench through openings in the front area of ​​the work surface, underneath the work surface, to a filter at the back of the workbench, and then filtered back into the interior. This type of workbench is very common in genetic engineering laboratories. But what should be considered when working with such a workbench? A safety workbench should be carefully positioned in the laboratory, ideally not in the corner that just offers a small space. To ensure that the airflow is not interrupted or deflected, the workbench should be positioned as far away from windows and doors as possible. Before commissioning, a competent person must check that it has been properly installed and is functioning properly. The operator must then arrange for its effectiveness to be checked at regular intervals in accordance with the latest scientific and technical standards. The date of the test and the results of the effectiveness test must be documented, as regulated by Section 17, Paragraph 6 of the GenTSV (German Act on the Use of Biotechnologically Tested Products). The project manager should always carefully review these records, as they may contain indications of declining performance. If a filter needs to be replaced, it must be disinfected before disposal. Depending on the safety cabinet and safety level, various options are available. Further information can also be found in the BG Chemie leaflet B 011.