Heat sources in a Biosafety Cabinet Compromise Experimental and User Protection
Abstract
Keeping a contamination free environment in the laboratory has commonly been achieved by one of two ways: a flame or a biosafety cabinet (BSC). However, it has been frequently observed that the two practices have been combined, where a heat source has been used within the BSC. As flames require flammable gasses and cause hot air to rise, it was hypothesized that these could lead to a loss of BSC Containment. Here, these practices were tested with several heat sources (Bunsen burner, High Heat Bunsen Burner, Spirit Lamp and Bacti-cinerator) in two sizes of BSC, using smoke for airflow visualization, particle counting for air cleanliness, and aerosol microbiological testing to show Containment. Large flamed burners were found to have the most detrimental effects on the ability of the BSC to maintain Containment, especially in the center of the work area, while the smaller heat sources were variable. Overall, it was determined that BSCs cannot operate safely while housing a heat source, as it could cause unexpected contamination of the work or the worker.