Cleaning the BSC
These are recommended intervals for cleaning - consult with your Health and Safety Professional for the SOP'S at your facility
After each work session
Equipment that has been in contact with the research agent should be contained
Clean and decontaminate the work area after each use
Clean and decontaminate the outside surface of all containers before removing from the BSC
Remove everything from the cabinet
Do not store equipment or supplies in or on the cabinet
Leave the cabinet running
UV lights
Are not recommended
Provide only surface disinfection
Require frequent testing - appear to be functioning but are not giving off germicidal UV light
Can cause burns
If UV lights are used
Be sure the lab has no people in it
Close the sash before turning the light on
(turn the motor blower off when you close the sash).
If it must be shut off
Do so after a final purge of two to three minutes
Close the cabinet window completely
Weekly
Using a dust free cloth and appropriate glass cleaner, clean the sash - inside and out
Turn the lamps off and allow cooling completely (UV, fluorescent or incandescent)
Clean the surface of lamps with 70% ethanol and a dust free cloth
Allow the ethanol to fully evaporate before turning the lamps back on
Monthly and as needed
Using a damp cloth clean the exterior surfaces of the BSC to remove any accumulated dust.
Semi-Annually
Clean and disinfect the pan beneath the BSC work surface (lower plenum). This area should be cleaned each time there is a spill in the BSC.
See the BSC manual for instruction on accessing this area.
Follow state and local regulations for the disposal of liquid waste.
Remember to close the drain valve after cleaning the pan.
