Class II Biological Safety Cabinet

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet: An Ultimate FAQ Guide

When dealing with a sterile process, you have to be very careful about the introduction of any contaminant because it can alter the results. A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet serves the purpose of protecting the operator, the product, and the environment in which the process is taking place.

It provides a sterile room for a process that needs zero contamination, otherwise, the contamination can lead to misleading and deviated results.

Out of the three classes, the biosafety cabinet class II provides decontamination for processes that need a higher biosafety level.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet comes in various subtypes like A1, A2, B1, B2, and C. Each type has its unique features and benefits. It has specific components for personal protection, product protection, and environmental protection.

Overall, the layout is user-friendly and it is extensively used in the pharmaceutical clean room, pharmaceutical laboratory, and pharmaceutical industry.

With proper maintenance practices, you can make your Class II Biological Safety Cabinet last for many years.

To take advantage of all its features, you must be aware of them all. Therefore this buying guide helps you to know all that you require. So let’s start.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet Testing

What is a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is a well-ventilated assembly that can be used for making a sterile room for sensitive processes such as pharmaceutical reactions. It has an open front which allows inward flow and protects the person dealing with the process.

The laminar flow from the HEPA filter goes downward which protects the product being processed. The environment protection is provided with the help of a HEPA filter exhaust fan.

It is made up of a strong and sturdy stainless steel body that is corrosion and damage resistant to deal with all kinds of reactants. Due to its energy-saving operation, it is highly convenient to use and helps you save on utility costs.

Each variety A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1 has its specific features to deal with different biosafety levels. It is necessary to maintain negative pressure and to follow the protocol for maximum efficiency.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet comes with easy installation and maintenance and therefore it is convenient to use. You can also use several accessories to enhance efficiency. Customization of several features is also present.

Sunnyda Class II Biological Safety Cabinet

What are the Features of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

Here are a few prominent features of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet:

• A sentinel gold microprocessor unit that controls all the systems.
• Fast operation is enabled due to an inbuilt quick start mode.
• A divided work tray enables you to clean and lift it easily.
• A single-piece recessed tray is also available.
• A raised armrest for maintaining the posture for long hours of work.
• A paper catch that is removable and easy to clean.
• A primary filter enables you to decrease the filtration load on the main filter.
• An airflow sensor for maximum safety and indicates insufficient airflow.
• A highly efficient ECM motor.
• The structure is polypropylene which makes Class II Biological Safety Cabinet highly resistant to any chemicals.
• The walls are made up of tempered glass.
• The work surface is constructed by using 304 stainless steel.
• There are two ULPA H15 filters.
• The exhaust has a silent function.
• 2 electronic outlets and integrated taps are present.
• Technical and maintenance faults are indicated by alarms.
• UV light for germicidal action.
• An advanced interlocking mechanism for additional safety.
• The front glass window has a 6mm triplex layer and an electrical motion system.
• The airflow pattern consists of 70% circulation and 30% exhaust system.
• LED lighting for maximum visibility.
• According to ISO, Class II Biological Safety Cabinet follows ISO 5 or class 100 clean room
• All the 14644-1 & USA Federal Standard 209E are fulfilled.
• Some models are CE certified, and comply with EN 12469.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet Waterproof Socket

What are the Major Parts of the Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet has the following major parts:

• An ECM blower system.
• A second blower system for the exhaust mechanism.
• A downflow ULPA H14 filter for maximum decontamination.
• UV lamps are not necessarily a part.
• A prefilter that can be easily removed.
• An exhaust ULPA filtration system might need a primary filter.
• Ergonomic stainless steel body.
• A highly efficient microprocessor controller.
• An ECM motor.

What is the Significance of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is significant because it saves money and time spent on repeated experimentation and aids in the formation of the cleanest product with minimum contamination.

If the product is contaminated, it can cause serious harm to the consumer in case of health as well as the product in case of reputation and licensing. Poor grade products can lead to the cancellation of the license of the pharmaceutical facility.

If there is any compromise in the safety of the person operating it, there is a high chance that the person may develop an infectious disease that may be contagious. It will not just harm the health but also be a huge loss of time since unhealthy people cannot work.

Environmental protection must also not be compromised because once a contaminant enters the environment, it is impossible to stop it from harming the living organisms. Therefore it is necessary to stop the spread in the first place or it can lead to an epidemic.

What are the Types of Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

The five major types of Class II Biological Safety Cabinet are listed below:

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet Type A

It is the most commonly used type. Not just out of class II but it is common in all other classes as well. The common plenum is 30% exhausted air and 70% recirculated air which is directed towards the work area.

As it can have a positive pressure contaminated plenum as well, the air is directly exhausted back to the laboratory thus the mechanism of recirculation.

A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet Type A cannot be used for a process that involves toxic chemicals along with microorganisms like fungi bacteria and viruses.

It is because the exhaust system of type A is not sufficient to deal with chemical toxins and therefore you can use a chemical fume hood that is made specifically for this purpose. The HEPA filtration system of type A only filters airborne aerosols and biohazardous agents.

Comparison of Type A1 and Type A2

Type A2 is safer because it has a negative pressure that surrounds the positively pressured contaminated plenum.

In this way, the leaking aerosol can be pulled back into the positively pressurized plenum. Thus the leakage can also be dealt with effectively. In type A2, 70% of air recirculates and 30% is discharged through the exhaust system.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet Type B

The main difference between type B and type A is that the former is equipped with an external blower system that exhausts the air in the environment through a network of ducts.

The external blower is significant because, without it, the air would directly flow towards the face of the person operating the cabinet and this air is not healthy and might contain contaminants. The airflow is dealt with by an internal blower and it contains harmful agents such as microorganisms.

Type B1 as it is specified by the American National Cancer Institute has 70% exhausted air and 30% recirculated air which is recirculated to the workstation as the downflow.

It is also capable of dealing with dangerous chemical aerosols along with microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Therefore it provides more protection and it is due to the powerful exhaust system. In type B2 there is no recirculation back to the cabinet and all the air leaves the system only after it passes through the HEPA filter box.

It is also suitable for dealing with toxic chemicals along with microbiological hazards as there is no recirculation and it’s safe. It might be considered the safest of all biological safety cabinets since it has the total exhaust feature which uses a HEPA filtration system.

The only drawback of this type is that it is difficult to install and balance. Maintenance is also demanding and time taking.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet Type A

What are the Design Specifications for a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

The design specifications of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet are stated below:

• It shall be designed in accordance with the rules of the ISO system.
• The application and contamination load must be kept in mind.
• The size of the unit shall be proportional to the contamination load.
• The biosafety levels must be considered.
• The type of contaminants also matters. For example, if toxic chemicals are involved, recirculation must be avoided.
• According to the space available, the unit can be designed as a ducted or ductless assembly since the matter takes up more space and needs elaborate installation.
• The construction material shall be considered since the properties like anti-corrosion and anti-damage matter a lot.
• There shall be sufficient lighting with LED fluorescent bulbs to allow maximum visibility.
• The filtration system shall be positioned according to the application. The protection of the operator on the workstation is a must.
• The motor selection shall be done on the basis of the workload. There is an option between an AC or DC motor.
• Class II Biological Safety Cabinet shall be designed in such a way that there is minimum vibration and silent operation.

Design Specifications of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet

What is the Purpose of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet and What Level of Protection Can be Expected?

The purpose of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is to obtain a contaminant-free space such that there is the complete removal of all kinds of contaminants.

Whether it be fibrous lint, dust, microbial agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, or chemical agents which can be hazardous to life.

These contaminants are either capable of spreading an infectious disease or damaging the skin of the person due to their corrosive and damaging nature.

The expected level of protection is absolute protection with even 0.12 micron-sized particles being filtered. Since it has a ULPA filter, the efficiency of filtration is 99.999%.

The use of germicidal UV radiation also adds to the decontamination efficiency since it disrupts the DNA of the microbes leading to their death. It destroys the spores and inactive stages as well.

What is the Working Principle of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

The working principle of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is based on a stream of air directed inwards to the cabinet. This stream is referred to as the inflow. It helps to decrease aerosol production.

This air then flows through the inlet grille which is near the operator on the workstation. As there is no unfiltered air allowed to enter the work area so no products are contaminated.

It is equipped with a vertical laminar air flow which works with the HEPA filter to create a sterile stream of air that flows from top to bottom.

This flow of air constantly washes off the interior of the cabinet from any microbial growth. This air is not directed horizontally, which means that it does not flow towards the operator’s face thus protecting him.

When the air leaves the system, it has to pass through a filtration system, and then it is exhausted, in this way, it protects the environment as well.

The main difference between the different types of Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is the percentage of exhausted and recirculated air. Some of them exhaust the air directly into the environment and some recirculate it into the system.

Working Principle of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet

What is the Difference Between a Class I and Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

The key difference between a biosafety cabinet class 1 and Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is that the former does not provide any protection to the product being synthesized in the process. Therefore the application of the class I safety cabinet is greatly limited.

Its airflow pattern closely resembles a fume hood but there is a HEPA filter at the end of the exhaust system.

The airflow is unidirectional but it is in a horizontal direction and is directed away from the operator which means that any contaminants can enter the interior and contaminate the products placed on the workstation.

What Filtration System is Commonly Used in Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

The filtration system commonly used for a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is the ULPA filtration system.

It stands for ultra-low penetration air and has 99.999% efficiency. It is capable of filtering particles equal to and greater than 0.12 micron.

One-third of the inflowing air is directed towards the ULPA filter in the exhaust system and two-thirds of it is directed towards the downflow ULPA filter respectively.

This airflow pattern helps to avoid cross-contamination as there is no mixing and minimum turbulence.

The downflow air which is directed out of the ULPA filter gets divided into two sections. One section goes towards the front grille and the other one goes to the rear grille. Some of the air goes to the dead corners as well.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet ULPA Filter

What are the Certification Demands of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

NSF International is responsible for establishing the requirements for Class II Biological Safety Cabinet and they are published NSF/ANSI standard 49.

The NSF/ANSI elaborates the design and construction requirements, acceptable materials, installation requirements, and performance criteria. It also deals with certification and testing.

Certification requirements include that the person that is performing the certification must be qualified and have the authority to do so. The certification must be purely based on the test results carried out under all conditions. Only the technically approved machines are allowed to get the certification.

How to Handle the Class II Biological Safety Cabinet if the Emergency Alarm Goes Off?

If the emergency alarm goes off, follow the given instructions:

• Evacuate the Class II Biological Safety Cabinet as soon as possible.
• Remove any inflammable substances that are present around.
• Call for professional help and report to the laboratory manager immediately.
• Turn the airflow off from outside the cabinet.

How to Customize your Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

To customize your Class II Biological Safety Cabinet, you can have the following options:

Size:

There are various size options available and the size of the cabinet must be in accordance with the application it has to serve.

Accessories:

There is a huge variety of accessories that you can use to increase the efficiency of your cabinet.

Type:

As there are five different types, you can customize your cabinet according to the features. If you need chemical decontamination along with microbial decontamination, go for type B.

Filtration System:

ULPA filter is conventionally used but you can get a HEPA box installed based on your preferences.

Customized Class II Biological Safety Cabinet

What are the Testing Demands for Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet needs testing to make sure that it works perfectly fine in all circumstances.

It is important for certification and efficiency. These are a few tests that must be conducted:

• Airflow smoke pattern tests
• Downflow velocity test
• Exhaust system performance (if the cabinet is connected to the exhaust system of the building)
• Inflow velocity test
• Noise level test
• Alarm function verification
• HEPA filter leak test
• Cabinet integrity test (specific for Type A1 cabinets that have positive-pressure contaminated plenums)
• Lighting intensity test
• Vibration test
• Electrical tests ( for detecting any leakage, ground circuit resistance, and polarity)
• Blower interlock (only for Type B1 and B2 cabinets)

What are the Benefits of Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

Here are a few excellent benefits of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet:

• Time-saving
• The front window is motorized
• UV life indicator and long ULPA filter life
• In case of power failure, it has a memory function
• It comes with standard accessories so that you don’t have to invest in additional accessories
• The remote control is enabled which helps you to operate your Class II Biological Safety Cabinet more conveniently
• The interlocking function helps to decrease cross-contamination
• There is a footswitch that allows you to avoid the turbulence that may be caused by arm movement
• The safety is magnified due to negative pressure
• You can adjust the air speed

Class II Biological Safety Cabinet Stainless Steel Working Zone

What are the Precautions for Using your Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

Here are a few precautions you must take while dealing with your Class II Biological Safety Cabinet:

• Always wear the right attire
• Wear a gown, gloves, and safety goggles
• Keep any toxic chemicals or reactors sealed
• Use a pass through box for the transport of materials
• Keep a check on the filters
• The wiring must be insulated
• There shall be no fire near the cabinet. If at all you have to use a burner, use an electrical one
• Take care of the safety alarms and keep them updated
• The interlocking mechanism must always work
• Use an air shower room so that there is minimum contamination in the first place
• Wear a mask for the prevention of inhalation of any toxic substances
• If you are dealing with microorganisms, it is better to get vaccinated beforehand

Wear Gloves Before Using Class II Biological Safety Cabinet

What are the Additional Accessories for Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

The additional accessories that can be used with a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet are listed below. You can use these for maximum efficiency and convenience.

• Support stands with variable height adjustments.
• UV germicidal lamp for the killing of microbial agents directly. It leads to complete sterilization.
• A PVC armrest allows you to work in a comfortable posture and allows maximum comfort. It also makes the cabinet easy to clean.
• Laboratory grade ergonomic lab chair which is alcohol resistant and helps you work for long hours.
• Footrest with adjustable height and chemical-resistant properties.
• IV bar hooks that can withstand a load of 6 kgs.
• Pre-filter for reducing the contamination load from the main filter.
• Additional blower system allows rapid removal of air from a certain point in the system.
• You can also get a removable tray that allows you to transfer all the equipment and products once at a time.

What is the Difference Between Laminar Hood and Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

A laminar air flow hood does not protect you against biological contaminants. It is designed to create a contamination-free environment but does not necessarily focus on the microorganisms that cause infections such as bacteria and viruses.

The air which has harmful substances is directed toward the operator on the workstation and it is potentially hazardous.

Therefore, a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is much more precise and provides higher protection to all three components of a reaction.

Although the pattern of flow in both these systems is the same, it is laminar. It means all the particles move in the same direction with constant velocity and it gels to avoid turbulence which gives rise to contamination.

Laminar Hood

What are the Maintenance Tips for your Class II Biological Safety Cabinet?

Some of the maintenance tips for a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet are as follows:

• Always use a safe disinfectant to clean the work surface as well as the body. Alcohol and 70% chlorine can be easily used.
• Keep a check on the filters. Clean and replace them after every two months.
• Monitor and inspect the ducts of the cabinet to see if there is an accumulation of the contaminants.
• Maintain good airflow and keep the system well ventilated.
• If there is any technical problem, resolve it as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damages.

How to Choose a Suitable Class II Biological Safety Cabinet for your Applications?

To choose a suitable Class II Biological Safety Cabinet, consider the following points:

• Select the cabinet according to your application.
• Keep the size of the cabinet and the decided location in mind.
• Check the accessories that you can use to enhance the function and overall performance.
• Go for factory testing and see the changes in performance with changes to external factors.
• Ask your clean room manufacturer for any certification.
• It must be in accordance with the ISO system.
• The product shall be easy to install and maintain.
• Make sure that all of its electrical connections and alarms are intact.
• Ask for the reviews of the product online or talk to someone who is already using it.

Conclusion.

A Class II Biological Safety Cabinet is a great option for creating a sterile environment while all three components, the user, the product, and the environment are safe. It requires little maintenance and can be cleaned easily. With the unique features and so many benefits, you can greatly increase the productivity of your application.

100% Quality Tested Class II Biological Safety Cabinet