Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Institutional Biosafety Program compiled a list of frequently asked questions. These questions and responses are provided as a guidance to the biomedical research community.

  • I have a biological safety cabinet that needs to be discarded, moved/relocated, or repaired. Is decontamination required? If so, what would be an acceptable process?
    For a biological safety cabinet to be discarded, moved/relocated, or repaired, it must be decontaminated using a gas/vapor method by a qualified vendor. Biological Safety Cabinet certification vendors provide this service. Please see a list below of some companies:

Please also see the hyperlink to the Equipment Decontamination Form. In conjunction with vendor’s decontamination record, a completed Equipment Decontamination Form will indicate to the movers that the equipment is safe to handle. The Biological Safety Program can sign off on the form once completed.

The filters in my biological safety cabinet was recently replaced and the used filters needed to be disposed. What steps should I take?
For BSC internal filters, disposal as either red bag waste or standard trash would be appropriate. Per NSF/ANSI 49, HEPA/ULPA filters from BSCs that have been decontaminated (i.e. via applicable gas or vapor method) may be safety buried in a sanitary landfill because they no longer pose a hazard. NSF/ANSI 49 is an international and American consensus standard for biological safety cabinets.

  • My biological safety cabinet need initial or annual certification. What steps should I take to complete?
    Laboratories and/or departments would need to coordinate certification of biosafety cabinets directly with a vendor.

Please see a list of vendors that provide biosafety cabinet certification services. In general, please ensure the company provides a NSF accredited technician to certify your lab’s BSC.