Classification is an important consideration in the selection of any biological safety cabinet. Over the years, the scientific community has adopted commonly accepted classification criteria to differentiate containment capabilities and performance attributes. Biological safety cabinets are divided into three classifications. Baker designs and manufactures all of these types of biosafety containment cabinets.
Classification | Biosafety Level | Application |
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Class I | 1, 2, 3 | Low to moderate risk biological agents |
Class II | 1, 2, 3 | Low to moderate risk biological agents |
Class III | 4 | High risk biological agents |
NSF International (The National Sanitation Foundation) conducts tests on biological safety cabinets to ensure that products achieve minimum standards for cabinet classifications, as devised by NSF. Those standards are defined within NSF/ANSI 49 - 2008, Biosafety Cabinetry: Design, Construction, Performance, and Field Certification.
Cabinets are also required to pass field certification by an independent organization. NSF has established the standards for field tests which define the methods and acceptance criteria that are appropriately applied for determining qualification for field certification of all Class II biological safety cabinets. These field certification procedures are intended to confirm that an installed cabinet evaluated under the current version of the Standard has met all design criteria contained in NSF/ANSI 49.
Cabinets previously classified as Class II, Type A/B3 are now classified as Class II, Type A2. These biosafety cabinets may be exhausted to the room, or connected to a facility exhaust system via a "canopy" connection (NSF recommends a canopy connection for cabinets exhausted to the outdoors). The Class II, Type B3 classification no longer exists for new units.
It is important to understand differences in cabinet Type in order to select the proper cabinet for your application.
New NSF Classification, Adopted 2002 | Previous NSF Classification | General Description |
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A1 | Class II, Type A |
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A2 | Class II, Type A/B3 |
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A2 | Class II, Type B3 |
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B1 | Class II, Type B1 |
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B2 | Class II, Type B2 |
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Note: All Baker biological safety cabinets provide containment and protection from airborne particulates for personnel, the work area, and the environment. Depending on the Type and nature of the exhaust configuration, and whether the exhaust system is treated or untreated, this containment and protection can extend to vapors and gases as well.
Class II Protection | From Particulates | From Vapors and Gases |
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Type A1, Type A2 | Personnel, work area (products) and environment |
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Type B1 | Personnel, work area (products) and environment | Offers more protection to personnel and the work area the closer the vapor source is located toward rear of work area; (offers protection to the environment if exhausted to treated system) |
Type B2 | Personnel, work area (products) and environment | Offers protection to personnel; (offers protection to environment if exhausted to treated system) |
Biological safety cabinets can be differentiated by a variety of design and performance factors. These include face velocity, air recirculation proportion, contaminated plenum pressure and exhaust function.
Download the Class II BSC Overview