Germfree BBF 2 - Introduction

Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet
User Manual
3
Introduction
The Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet is a minimal turbulence, unidirectional, vertical down flow re-circulating
laminar flow cabinet, providing a safe work area for handling particles and aerosols down to the sub-micron size
range. This chamber eliminates cross-contamination and accidental release of pathogenic microorganisms or
carcinogenic aerosols to the outside atmosphere. The unit can be used wherever sterile air is required. Other
applications include handling materials such as pollen, powders, allergens, dust, pathogen-free animals and
plants—actually in any situation where both clean air and containment are required. All of the air that bathes the
work area and all the air that is exhausted is passed through High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that are
parallel to each other and to the work surface. These filters remove particulates 0.3 micron in size with 99.99%
efficiency, and they even more efficient for both larger and smaller particulates.
Perhaps the most valuable parameter of the Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet is containment without the
necessity of working through gloves. This is accomplished by discharging approximately 30% of the total filtered
air each cycle through the exhaust HEPA filter in the top of the unit.
An equal amount of make-up air is pulled into the chamber through the boom of the window under negative
pressure from the blower and positive pressure from the air curtain. The viewing panel has a unique, recessed,
contoured shape, which creates an aerodynamic flow paern. It is this combination that produces the protective
barrier for the operator by containing hazardous materials within the chamber.
Biomedical engineering and technology have introduced safeguards into the design of laboratory equipment,
but these safeguards do not prevent human error. Danger to personnel from carelessness or improperly used
equipment cannot be overemphasized. There is no substitute for safe, proper technique.
Contact Germfree Customer Service
+1 386.265.4300
cs@germfree.com