Biological safety cabinets are designed to protect personnel and the environment from exposure to potentially hazardous aerosols.

Biological safety cabinets should be certified at least annually; after a new cabinet has been purchased and installed, but before it is used; and after it has been moved or relocated (Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories p. 139 [http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl5/bmbl5toc.htm]; Laboratory Safety Monographs.p. 130).

Laminar flow hoods are designed for pouring culture media and other procedures demanding clean product but no containment of biohazards. If you want to use a laminar flow hood and do not know where one is, call the biological safety office (766-3277) to get help locating one you can use.

Currently, principle investigators are responsible for bearing the cost of maintaining biological safety cabinets.

Biosafety cabinets that are not certified should be turned off.
In addition, place a sign on the cabinet which states:

"This Biological Safety Cabinet is Not Certified. Do Not Use"

See attached file.

DONOTUSE.pdf (PDF Format)