Pre-Use Inspection Checklist for Biosafety Cabinets

Biosafety cabinets are critical for protecting lab personnel and the surrounding environment from contamination by potentially harmful or dangerous matter. They also help to ensure that experiment materials remain pure and sterile and are not tainted by outside organisms or compounds. Pre-use inspections keep labs compliant with OSHA, CDC, NSF and GMP standards, while also helping users to make sure that small operational issues are handled right away. There’s no need to leave minor problems to escalate and compromise containment and clean airflow. Here’s our guide to safe use of your lab equipment.

Biosafety Cabinet Checklist

A pre-use inspection for a biosafety cabinet is vital. This mandatory checklist ensures operator safety and sample integrity by confirming that several key parameters are in order and that systems are working as they should. A thorough checklist also provides for proper airflow, decontamination, and unit functionality. 

Pre-Use Inspection Checklist:

• Certification Status: Confirm the certification label/date and that the necessary annual certification is current
• Airflow Check: Confirm airflow monitor is functioning, check the gauge for normal readings, verify that no warning lights or alarms are active, that front and rear grills are clear of all items, and use a tissue/smoke test to ensure proper inward airflow
• Cabinet Condition: Check for cleanliness and correct operating height, along with any physical damage like cracks, dents, loose panels and hinges, or damaged power cords
• HEPA Filter Status: If it is possible, look for signs of damage, but never attempt unauthorized filter maintenance
• Internal Inspection: Verify the drain valve under the cabinet is closed
• Decontamination: Wipe down the interior surfaces, work surface, and sides with an appropriate disinfectant 
• Operation Setup: Turn off the UV light, turn on the fluorescent light and blower several minutes prior to work to purge any impurities, and ensure that all alarms are functioning
• Sash Position and Function: Ensure sash is at proper operating height, verify smooth movement and confirm that alarms activate if sash is improperly positioned
• Remove Unnecessary Items: Keep only essential materials inside to avoid overcrowding the workspace and support proper airflow

Besides making sure that the unit itself is in a safe condition for use, lab technicians must also do a routine PPE check. A properly worn lab coat and gloves, or whatever complies with laboratory SOP, is a prerequisite. PPE should cover all vulnerable areas of the body, such as exposed skin that could come into contact with the experiment sample.

After a technician has done the above checks and completed any additional internal lists without finding anything amiss, they can feel free to safely continue with their work. On the other hand, if the blower is not working or if the airflow alarm is sounding, the cabinet should not be used. 

Maintenance and Repair from Biosafety Cabinet Certification Specialists

While pre-use checks are vital when operating a biosafety cabinet and other sensitive lab equipment, these do not replace professional biosafety cabinet certification, HEPA filter testing and preventive maintenance. The professional team at DigeLab offers the services of certified technicians who can ensure that your biosafety cabinet receives proper airflow testing and that your lab enjoys regulatory compliance support. When it comes to safe operation, reliable containment and regulatory compliance, you really can’t be too safe. If you are in need of a periodic biosafety cabinet certification or other maintenance services, please contact us right away. DigeLab Solutions is happy to provide flexible scheduling for emergency fume hood repair and biosafety cabinet certification.