Extensive descriptions of BSCs are available in the Canadian Biosafety Handbook – Chapter 11, including characteristics of all class types, installation specifications, testing, certification, and proper use of a BSC. Please note that hard-ducted Type B biosafety cabinets require that the BSC to be connected to the exhaust system where the air is discharged directly to the outside atmosphere. You must consult with the property manager or building engineer in advance in order to ensure that the ventilation system is appropriate for this type of BSC.

Testing Services

Correct operation of BSCs must be verified before they are used and then annually, and following any repairs or relocation, in accordance with the field tests outlined in the most recent version NSF/ANSI 49: Biosafety Cabinetry Certification.

The testing of biological safety cabinets at the University is conducted by an external contractor. Fees for this service are charged to the Principal Investigator / researcher or, in the case of teaching, to the instructor’s department. Please contact and make arrangements for testing, servicing or repair of a biological safety cabinet directly with the service provider.

A list of registered certified providers is available on the NFS web site:

http://info.nsf.org/Certified/Biosafety-Certifier/Listings.asp