Appendix D NSCC-Use of Biological Safety Cabinet

Start-up procedure

Turn off UV light if in use and be sure that the sash is in the appropriate.
Turn on fluorescent light and the cabinet blower, if off.
Check the air intake and exhaust grills for obstructions.
If the cabinet is equipped with an alarm, test the alarm and switch it to the “on” position.
Confirm the inward air flow by holding a Kim-wipe tissue at the middle of the edge of the viewing panel and ensure it is drawn inward.
Disinfect the interior surface with 10% bleach, let dry and repeat with 70% ethanol.
Assemble all materials required for the procedure and load them into the cabinet. Do not obstruct the air grilles; the working surface may be lined with absorbent paper with a plastic backing: segregate “clean” items from “contaminated“ items.
Wait 5 minutes to purge airborne contaminants from the work area.

Don protective gown and gloves as appropriate.
Perform operations as far the rear of the cabinet as possible.
Avoid excessive movement of hands and arms through the front access opening during use; when you do enter or exit the cabinet, do so from straight on; allow the cabinet to stabilize before resuming work.
Keep discarded contaminated material to the rear of the cabinet; do not discard material in containers outside of the cabinet.
Do not work with pen flames inside the cabinet.
If there is a spill during use, surface decontaminate all objects in the cabinet; disinfect the entire working area of the cabinet while it is still in operation (do not turn off cabinet fan).

Allow cabinet to run 5 minutes with no activity.
Close or cover open container before removal.
Surface disinfect objects in contact with contaminated material before removal.
Remove contaminated gloves and dispose of them as appropriate; wash hands.
Don clean gloves and ensure all materials are placed into a biohazard bag within the cabinet.
Using 10% bleach decontaminate the working surface, the area underneath it and the surface of the UV light and let dry.
Repeat step 6 with 70% ethanol.
Turn off fluorescent light and cabinet fan when appropriate.
Turn on the UV light if appropriate (do not turn on if people are working close by); UV must be tested to ensure it us emitting a germicidal wavelength (as your cabinet certifier).