Although primarily used in BSL-2 laboratories, it is not uncommon to see a Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) in a BSL-1 laboratory. Biosafety cabinets (BSC) are pieces of equipment which provide primary containment, protecting the worker and materials from contamination from any generated aerosols. A BSC is NOT a fume hood and cannot be used with volatile chemicals or radioactive isotopes (unless approved by EHS).
In general, open flames and heating devices are NOT ALLOWED; in BSCs because the heat can damage the HEPA filter above the workspace and disrupt the airflow inside the cabinet leading to potential loss of containment. Additionally, build up of gas in the cabinet can cause an explosion as the air in the cabinet recirculates (Exhibit A).
Bacticinerators and alcohol burners (Exhibit A) should not be used in a BSC either, but accommodations can be made so contact the BSO if you observe these in a BSC.
Touch-o-Matic burners (Exhibit B) use a pressure switch to turn off gas flow when not in use and are the safest option if a flame is deemed necessary in a BSC.
Please mark a deficiency if you observe a BSC used incorrectly or if it appears cluttered with reagents/supplies and is dirty.