Lab safety under the microscope: Baker Company tests the myth of shared biosafety cabinets

The Baker Company, a global pioneer and market leader in biosafety cabinets since 1948, presents a new installment in their BSC Mythbusters series. This edition addresses the misconception: is it safe for multiple people to work simultaneously in a single biosafety cabinet (BSC)? On 9 October 2025, Dr. Kara Brunelle Held, Science Director at The Baker Company, will explain this myth during a webinar.

Since 2019, The Baker Company has been testing laboratory myths and assumptions in their BSC Mythbusters series. The impetus for this specific study came from a customer observation: four students were working simultaneously in one biosafety cabinet. During the 9 October session, Held will reveal why following proper procedures when using a biosafety cabinet is crucial.

Myths and misconceptions in the lab

“Although official guidelines recommend one user per biosafety cabinet, some believe this is primarily a commercial suggestion,” Held explains. Additionally, many lab users learn from colleagues rather than manuals: “This leads to dangerous habits, such as multiple people working in a single cabinet or overcrowding the BSC.” Her research shows that these practices significantly increase safety risks. “It’s precisely the speed of the incoming air that protects the user. Improper use disrupts this airflow.”

Risks and awareness

How often work in a biosafety cabinet is compromised is unknown. “Data on laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) are difficult to gather,” Held notes. “Many infections go unrecognized or unreported, which can result in researchers or others unknowingly becoming ill. If someone is infected by a researcher who was unaware of their own contamination, tracing it back to the lab can be very difficult.” Held also aims to raise awareness about lab safety so that work can be conducted safely—not only for the specimen but especially for the people handling it.

Research and education

The Baker Company operates a unique testing laboratory in the U.S. Part of the research conducted there is presented annually in the BSC Mythbusters series at international conferences such as ABSA. For the European market, the study has been adapted to local cabinet standards, with associated training and publications in collaboration with partners such as the Eagleson Institute.

Dr. Kara Brunelle Held brings extensive academic experience to the team. She has worked at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, earned her Ph.D. at the University of Vermont, and completed postdoctoral research at Yale University. Her recent academic experience provides a unique perspective on laboratory safety and product testing, which she now applies within The Baker Company team.