Class II Biosafety Cabinet Manufacturer

Class II Biosafety Cabinet: An Ultimate FAQ Guide

Protection against harmful pathogens is essentially required especially when you are working in pharmaceutical or research industries where a contained environment should be maintained.

A Class II Biosafety Cabinet is an enclosed compartment where a contained environment is established to complete different procedures without their hindrance by contaminants.

It provides protection to the user’s health and also to the surrounding environment so that contained processes can be properly completed within a sterile room.

On the basis of the degree of protection that can be provided to the operator and the environment, it is further classified into A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1 types, each varying in the level of protection they offer.

It has a blower to direct the air into the grille section away from the user’s face, which then goes into the working surface, and finally enters a HEPA filter with high filtration to remove the contaminants.

In this well-researched buying guide, you will find its features, benefits, uses, working principles, and a lot more. Let’s begin.

Class II Biosafety Cabinet Testing

What is a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

Using the Class II Biosafety Cabinet is an appropriate choice for contained spaces as it will have different types of protections varying with the features and working of the type you are purchasing.

When dealing with harmful biological agents, it is necessary to protect both the operator and the surrounding environment against airborne infection.

Most pathogenic germs and biological agents are filtered out of the workstation environment by using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in this cabinet, which is basically a vented enclosure.

Protection for the environment, products, and employees are the primary goals of the Class II Biosafety Cabinet and can be fulfilled effectively.

The circulating air may go out of the system via the exhaust fan, or keep on recirculating inside the system, as per the design of the unit.

Sunnyda Class II Biosafety Cabinet

What are the Features of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

The most prominent features that help in the working and designing of this Class II Biosafety Cabinet are:

• NSF 49 and EN 12469 certified
• Options for the construction of the side panel are present
• Multi-piece or one-piece work trays are available
• With a DC-ECM blower, you’ll save 70% more energy than with an AC motor.
• It comes in a wide range of sizes to fit in any lab space available
• Despite changes in building voltage and filter loading, the airflow is steady and self-compensating
• Effective decontamination using a UV light takes place
• The use of an airflow sensor to notify users if the airflow is enough for increased safety
• Sound alarm if the sash is hazardous, is available
• Helps eliminate grill obstruction and provides a more comfortable working position with an ergonomically built elevated armrest
• Inhibits microbiological development using an antimicrobial powder coat

What are the Specifications of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

Some major specifications offered by the Class II Biosafety Cabinet are:

• Its work area is a highly capacious one while maintaining the smallest possible external cabinet dimensions.
• Laminated glass is present to provide additional protection against shattering.
• Armrests are available.
• The main screen displays the filter’s laminar flow rate and blockage level.
• Fans and UV lights with timers for easy programming are installed.
• UV light unit that may be kept away when not in use.

Class II Biosafety Cabinet Controller

What are the Main Parameters and Dimensions of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

Some major parameters and dimensions most commonly available in Class II Biosafety Cabinet are:

• Inflow Air: 333- 378 m3/h
• Downflow Air: 795-817 m3/h
• Dimensions of the Cabinet Along With Stand: 1200 x 770 x 2150 mm
• Working Area Illumination: 1000 lx
• Noise Level: 55 dBA
• Working Chamber Dimensions: 1105 x 610 x 750 mm
• Approximate Weight With Stand: 230 kg
• Input Power Without Electric Sockets: 110 W

What are the Biotechnological Features of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

The biotechnological features that must be possessed by Class II Biosafety Cabinet:

• The level of noise produced should meet the EN 12469:2000 standards.
• The maximum vibration produced in the tabletop should not be higher than 0.005mm.
• The optimum frequency range of vibration should fall between 20-20,000 Hz.
• It should be safe and compatible to fumigate: treating with formaldehyde and ammonia solution.
• For checking the presence of pathogens in the front area, a KI detection test can be performed.
• 750-1000 lux illumination should be maintained for safe operation within the working area.
• All the surfaces of the Class II Biosafety Cabinet should be smooth for easy cleaning purposes.
• An autoclave should be used for effectively sterilizing the tabletop, arm support, and other components.

750-1000 Lux Illumination in Class II Biosafety Cabinet

How Does a Class II Biosafety Cabinet Work?

This clean room equipment has different categories, which have different working procedures varying according to the type of protection they offer.

It uses the HEPA filtered airflow in a downward direction for protecting the product. For the protection of the user, it uses the inward airflow from the open front of the cabinet.

For the safety of the environment, the exhausted air filtered by the HEPA filter is sufficient. You should filter the working area air and also the exhaust air before directing them over the working surface so that it doesn’t get contaminated.

For exhausting the air, you may use the hard duct connections or the thimble for letting this air go into a controlled zone, or into the external atmosphere.

What is the Purpose of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

The Class II Biosafety Cabinet is really helpful for user protection, the experimental stuff, and the environment in use. In microbiological and biomedical laboratories, it is one of the most used types of cabinet.

In a laminar flow, an air curtain is placed in the work openings which block the pathogens from an escape through the wok chamber and, therefore, assures the protection of staff.

Yet, product protection has a different technique. The HEPA filtered downward laminar flow specifies for protecting the stuff that is used inside the cabinet.

The exhaust HEPA filter guarantees that the air is non-contaminated that is passing from it and, yet, ensure a safe environment for biological well-being. The filtered air can be let out of the room directly or can be circulated in the laboratory.

Class II Biosafety Cabinet HEPA Filter

What are the Benefits of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

A Class II Biosafety Cabinet offers multiple benefits to the users some of them are mentioned as:

Hydraulic Dampers

Hydraulic dampers that are present in it allow the front sash and the UV unit to close smoothly.

This function prevents the parts of the cabinet from being damaged when the door is slammed shut, allowing for a more pleasant operation.

Front Sash Corner Marking

It is an advanced safety precaution to have color-coded labeling on the corners of the sash while it is in the open position.

Front Sash Laminated Glass

With a polymer film between two sheets of glass, this triplex is called laminated glass.

That’s why it doesn’t break into dangerous bits when it’s shattered. Instead, it just cracks, maintaining its shape. The front sash damage does not affect the cabinet’s airflow or its ability to protect its occupants.

Stable Structure

A safe working environment needs a sturdy cabinet. As a result, the platform is equipped with screw anchors for adjusting and fixing the mounted cabinet.

The sole purpose of the caster wheels is to make it easier to move the cabinet to its final installation location.

Big Working Chamber

Given the tiny size of laboratories, small ceilings, small doorways, and staircases, the exterior cabinet measurements are decreased while maintaining the chamber’s internal size and all of the equipment’s features.

Class II Biosafety Cabinet Front Sash Laminated Glass

How is the Audible Visible Indication System Beneficial in a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

As long as the front working aperture has airflow continuity, the air curtain can effectively block hazardous germs from getting inside.

It is possible that the air curtain can be compromised and pathogenic agents released into the environment and onto the operator if the top grill on the tabletop is obstructed while operating.

A fast-response audible-visible warning system is installed in the Class II Biosafety Cabinet, which promptly alerts the operator to the dangers of a blocked front grille and deterioration in cabinet protective features.

What is the Purpose of the Microprocessor Control System in a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

With the fan motor control system, the Class II Biosafety Cabinet power consumption and noise levels (both acoustic and electromagnetic) may be reduced.

Static management of air consumption by monitoring the amount of filter pollution, the number of fan rotations may be dynamically adjusted to maintain constant air equilibrium in the working chamber of your Class II Biosafety Cabinet.

The system’s warning mechanism is activated when the contamination level is exceeded. The airflow inequality in the working chamber is alerted to by the system that monitors the different operating modes and the audio-visual indicator.

When the Class II Biosafety Cabinet’s defensive characteristics begin to decline, an alert message appears on the display and the audio-visible system is activated.

This is all done through the cabinet’s microprocessor control system. These signals specify the operating system’s ability to indicate faults and analyze the causes of their occurrence.

What are the Design Advantages of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet Pull-Out UV Unit?

Multiple design advantages of the Class II Biosafety Cabinet which are convenient for the user are:

The UV lamp is positioned outside of the working chamber, which is a good thing because:

• No obstructions to downward airflow or turbulence are created; therefore cross-contamination of the product is avoided.
• During the chamber’s loading and unloading, the light is shielded from harm.

The UV unit is in its operational position so:

• The front entrance of the Class II Biosafety Cabinet is covered, limiting the release of harmful agents into the surroundings and assuring the safety of the workers.
• It has an optical orientation sensor to avoid unintentional irradiation of employees.

Drive and roll technology is beneficial because:

• The UV device can be easily disinfected and used.
• It ensures the long-term dependability of the pull-out mechanism
• There is no requirement to designate a separate storage area.

Design Advantages of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet

How Can the High Precision Optical Sensors of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet Increase your Productivity?

The given two high precision optical sensors present in this Class II Biosafety Cabinet are all-time helpful in making your unit effective and safe:

• Detecting a 5 mm gap is possible with the front sash position sensor.
• As soon as the UV device sensor detects that the unit is about to open, the UV light is automatically turned off to prevent sudden exposure of the user to ultraviolet radiation.

How is the Sash Lifting Mechanism of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet Helpful?

Balance sliding sashes have a major benefit over the gas spring-powered design.

Since it allows for easy cleaning of the sash’s inner surface and doesn’t have any rapid wear mechanisms or designing details like wires.

The front working opening’s fixed dimensions are determined in line with airflow regulations to ensure the protection of people. It is only used for putting items into the cabinet and disinfecting the chamber while it is entirely open.

During operation, the sash is fully shut. According to EN 12469:2000, the sash raising design was manufactured.

All working surfaces should be easily accessible for disinfection and sterilization in the Class II Biosafety Cabinet design.

How is the Arm Support of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet Beneficial?

The arm support as the name suggests provides convenience and rest to the operator’s arm while he is working in Class II Biosafety Cabinet:

• Ideal for autoclave sterilization and complete disinfection.
• Prevents a front table grill from being accidentally covered.
• Located in a separate chamber of the UV unit that may be removed.
• Elbows of the operator may rest comfortably on the moveable arm support, preventing them from dangling throughout all times and enhancing productivity.

Arm Support of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet

What is the Function of Fine Filters Installed in a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

By the American standard IEST-RP-CC-001.3 (HEPA and ULPA) or the European standard EN 1822, the HEPA filter is tested and packaged.

By detecting the clear side of the filter, an aerosol experiment on a dedicated stand is used to determine the filter’s efficiency.

An angle of 70 to the horizontal and a correct angle to the front sash place a HEPA filter directly in the path of airflow. Air circulation in the chamber is greatly improved by this arrangement.  To provide a leak-tight seal throughout its lifespan, this primary filter is held in place by springs.

When the Class II Biosafety Cabinet is turned on, the microprocessor management system checks the filter contamination level and displays the data on the LCD, if the critical threshold (90 percent) is achieved.

Class II Biosafety Cabinet Primary Filter

Is a Class II Biosafety Cabinet Protected by Unauthorized Access?

The control panel keys are automatically blocked to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the cabinet control.

An electromagnetic key is the sole way to open the panel’s lock. The control system is protected from unwanted access via a no-touch electromagnetic key. Electromagnetic keys can be purchased and then inserted into the system control memory.

In the user guide, you’ll discover a lot of information about how to get the most compatible key for the system and how to use it effectively.

Class II Biosafety Cabinet Protected by Unauthorized Access

Can you Handle Biological Fluids in your Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

Yes, as far as managing blood, serum, and urine samples go, Class II Biosafety Cabinet is the most commonly seen.

The cabinet allows you to maintain the sterility and containment of any samples placed in it. This protects them from contamination and keeps the workers safe from biohazards.

Biological Fluids in Class II Biosafety Cabinet

Can you Use a Bunsen Burner in a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

A Class II Biosafety Cabinet cannot have an open flame.

A huge impact on the effectiveness and containment of your cabinet can be caused by the presence of combustible products, this is due to the heat from their flames.

Alternatives include micro burners, micro incinerators, and electric furnaces. These burners should only be used at their lowest setting if it is judged essential.

Bunsen Burner

Can you Use Chemicals Inside your Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

The use of chemicals inside this cabinet depends upon the type of chemical you are using and what is its strength.

Light chemicals are involved in several procedures and are essential to be used in Class II Biosafety Cabinet, and this thing can be compensated using the installation of the carbon filter or thimble ducting.

But the use of strong and corrosive chemicals is strictly prohibited. The reason behind this is the high damage these agents can cause to the filters, resulting in the ineffective operation of the overall system.

When Should a Class II Biosafety Cabinet Undergo Gaseous Decontamination?

Gaseous disinfection is necessary is when:

• The transfer or relocating of the Class II Biosafety Cabinet is needed.
• When it is going to be inspected by the certifying body; more safety and protection measures are in place for the engineer responsible for this certification and testing.
• If the biological safety cabinet filter has to be changed.
• There have been big spills.

What are the Additional Options of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

• Additional plugs
• Hood
• The electromagnetic valve on a gas meter, so in case the power goes out or the Class II Biosafety Cabinet is shut off, the electromagnetic valve immediately shuts off the gas and vacuum supplies.
• A vacuum valve that incorporates an electromagnetic valve.

How is the Type C1 Class II Biosafety Cabinet Unique?

The Type C1 Class II Biosafety Cabinet was developed out of necessity to regulate infectious material, chemical dangers, minimize operating expenses, and increase laboratory flexibility.

Mixing of the incoming air with the recirculated air of the downflow air is done, and this is then released by the type C1 cabinet.

A second internal fan draws the air over a specific area of the working surface, which is then exhausted by the HEPA filters.

Type C1 Class II Biosafety Cabinet Inside View

It differs from Type A due to its usage of single-pass airflow. However, when you use it in a ducted way, it provides supreme protection to potent chemicals, as type B can.

Additionally, the C1 differs from Class II Biosafety Cabinet Type B cabinets in several ways:

• It doesn’t necessitate a hard-wired, committed exhaust pipe and blower to operate.
• Subject to risk assessment, then it can operate for an extensive period to significantly raise operator security throughout a remote exhaust system crash.
• It can operate without even being linked to an exhaust system at all.

What are the Construction Details for Designing your Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

Some detailed factors that must be considered during the construction of the unit to benefit the user are:

• In the manufacturing of the Class II Biosafety Cabinet, 20 to 25% higher exhaust standards are required for supporting the exhaust airflow in case of a thimble connection. The manufacturer provides the canopy and the thimble attachments along with the product.
• Fan interlocks must be installed in the cabinet to ensure that once the exhaust fan is physically turned off, the internal blower also turns off.
• It is prohibited to use this cabinet in conjunction with any other types of fume hoods.
• You can use several units altogether to get increased filtration results.
• To provide primary containment, it should have additional exhaust fans, as the exhaust system of the building is critical.
• The user must be alerted in the case of an interruption of exhaust airflow using a visual and audible alarm directly linked to it.
• Seismic anchoring is required for it.
• UV lamps are not necessary or suggested.

What are the Certifications and Testing Standards for the Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

Class II Biosafety Cabinet is mostly chosen according to the standards of testing it is subjected to. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) 49:2002 and the European Norm (EN) 12469 are two of the most trusted standards in the world for this purpose.

NSF 49:2002 is more demanding than EN 12469, even though their testing procedures are equivalent.

Before they may be used with biohazardous items, the Class II Biosafety Cabinet should be verified by a recognized independent testing agency.

This should be done before they can be accepted for use in a building or installed without requiring major alterations to the structure.

How to Test the Airflow Velocity in your Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

There are two parts to testing the airflow velocity in your safety cabinet:

The Downflow Velocity Test

If you want to determine the approximate speed of descending air or to confirm the laminar flow in the work area for your Class II Biosafety Cabinet, you can perform this test.

As HEPA filtration is used to maintain consistent airflow, the downflow velocity test is only applicable to Class II cabinets.

The protection of products and the maintenance of an ultra-low particle environment are both dependent on the downflow velocity.

If configured wrong, it may have an impact on the sound levels as well. To bring in or take out the materials from this cabinet, a risk analysis is compulsory.

The Inflow Velocity Test

The inflow velocity testing determines the average air velocity entering the cabinet on an inflow basis.

Class I, class II, and class III cabinets all have somewhat different criteria for the inflow velocity testing procedure to their slightly varied roles.

The inflow velocity must be exact for each kind of cabinet since an inaccurate value compromises operator safety for the user. The exhaust system of the safety cabinet has a strong connection with the inflow air velocity.

In the case of a ducted one, you can attach it to the exhaust of your building. If set up wrong, it can also affect the noise level of your Class II Biosafety Cabinet and have other negative effects on environmental protection.

Class II Biosafety Cabinet Airflow Velocity Testing

Why is Validation of your Class II Biosafety Cabinet Essential?

There are several tests and standards that your Class II Biosafety Cabinet must meet as part of the normal validation testing procedure.

There are three main types of safety cabinets, and each kind has a particular set of approval requirements. The primary thing is to check and evaluate the functions of your safety cabinet.

As a record, it is essential to check the switches and lighting if they are working properly or not. Moreover, the matters critical for the basic operations of the user should be addressed.

Air velocities must be monitored for all cabinet types since each has certain compliance requirements. For this, a calibrated anemometer or equivalent must be used to measure the air velocity. There must be no way for the user to access the speed controls because of the specified velocity requirement. Only a qualified, accredited engineer and the testing firm should make any adjustments to them.

Conclusion.

To get the best Class II Biosafety Cabinet, it is important to check various factors such as the most suitable category, features, specification, size, and pricing also, so that you can get the perfect product that will fulfill all your requirements.

Moreover, to protect your unit and the user, never perform the tasks not recommended, such as using a Bunsen burner or dealing with high flames.

Also, carefully decide which sub-class of this cabinet will be suitable for which application, and how you can customize it using multiple accessories.

100% Quality Tested Class II Biosafety Cabinet