Safety equipment against exposure to biological agents

The National Institute of Safety and Health at Work (INSST) has recently published two new technical prevention notes that deal with safety equipment against exposure to biological agents and specifically about biological safety cabinets (CSB) and isolators.

Biological safety cabinets constitute an essential element in laboratories where activities that involve exposure to biological agents are carried out since these equipment offer a closed work space, incorporating forced air circulation that prevents the passage of bioaerosols to the work atmosphere

The NTP 1202 describes the classification and the different technical specifications of each type of biological safety cabinet, in addition, relevant information is provided for the selection, installation, maintenance and certification of the same and the importance of a correct location and the following of safe practices for their use are highlighted. Finally, aspects of interest for cleaning and decontamination are collected.

For its part, NTP 1203 provides information on the different types of insulators and the main characteristics of those used against exposure to biological agents. Isolators are primary containment systems that provide a safe environment when working with biological agents and the main advantage over CSBs is that they can be designed on demand and are usually used when these are not a practical solution.