Biosafety Cabinet Operating Label infographic showing step-by-step startup, cleaning, and shutdown procedures for lab safety and compliance

Infographic

Biosafety Cabinet Operating Label

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Lab Practices

Whether you are a lab manager, technician, principal investigator, or biosafety officer, ensuring the correct use of your biosafety cabinet (BSC) is critical for protecting personnel, samples, and the environment. The Biosafety Cabinet Operating Label from NuAire is a clear, at-a-glance infographic that outlines essential operating procedures to maintain best practices in containment and sterility.

Key Operating Steps Covered:

Start-Up

  • Turn off any ultraviolet (UV) light if present.
  • Power on the cabinet blower and lights, ensuring all air intake and exhaust grills are free of obstructions.
  • Allow the blower to run for at least 15 minutes before starting aseptic work.

Learn more about proper biosafety cabinet startup procedures in our Working Safely in a Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet guide.

Wipedown & Setup

  • Disinfect all interior work surfaces using 70% alcohol or a non-corrosive antimicrobial agent.
  • Place materials and equipment thoughtfully—avoid covering intake grills to maintain airflow integrity.

For guidance, check our SOPs: Biosafety Cabinet Use Guide and Work Zone Setup Tips.

Performing Work

  • Always wear proper PPE: long sleeve gowns, knit cuffs, and gloves.
  • Maintain proper aseptic technique and minimize unnecessary movement to reduce cross-contamination.

For hands-on guidance, watch our Working in Your Biosafety Cabinet video.

Shutdown & Maintenance

  • After work is completed, purge the air for 2–3 minutes before removing materials.
  • Wipe down all surfaces again.
  • Turn off blowers and lights. Note: If handling antineoplastic agents, NuAire recommends running the cabinet continuously for 24 hours.

Why It Matters

A clear, visible operating label ensures that all lab personnel—whether seasoned or new—follow the correct operational sequence every time. This not only enhances lab safety but also helps meet critical biosafety compliance requirements. For additional tips, visit our 10 Tips for Working Safely in a Biosafety Cabinet.

Choose the Right Cabinet

If you are evaluating new equipment or looking to upgrade, explore NuAire’s full range of biosafety cabinets designed for safety, performance, and user comfort.

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