Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) are critical for ensuring a safe laboratory environment while working with biological agents. They are categorized into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each class offers varying degrees of protection for persons, products, and the environment.
Table of Contents
What is Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) ?
A Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) is a ventilated laboratory workspace that protects laboratory personnel, the environment, and, in some cases, the product (samples) from infectious or biohazardous substances. BSCs accomplish this by controlling airflow and filtering out potentially hazardous aerosols and particles. They are critical for preserving biosafety in labs that operate with diseases or biological materials.

Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)- Classes with Examples
BSCs are classified into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each class offers varying degrees of protection to individuals, the environment, and the product (samples) being handled. Here’s a thorough explanation of each class, along with examples:
Class I
Class I BSCs protect humans and the environment, not the product. They are comparable to chemical fume hoods, but with HEPA filters to remove biological agents.

Features:
Inward airflow is used to safeguard personnel.
HEPA-filtered exhaust helps to safeguard the environment.
Suitable for biological agents with low to moderate risk (Biosafety Levels 1–3).
Examples:
NuAire LabGard™ NU-510 is a Class I cabinet that protects both personnel and the environment with HEPA-filtered exhaust. Suitable for operations with low to moderate risk agents.
ESCO Class I BSC: Provides people and environmental protection while emphasizing ease of use and safety.
Class II
Class II BSCs protect persons, products, and the environment. They are classified into four kinds depending on their structure and airflow patterns: A1, A2, B1, and B2.
Features:
Inward airflow is used to safeguard personnel.
HEPA-filtered downflow protects the product.
HEPA-filtered exhaust helps to safeguard the environment.
Suitable for biological agents with low to moderate risk (Biosafety Levels 1–3).
Types and examples:
Type A1:
Labconco Purifier Logic+ A1 BSC offers protection for persons, products, and the environment. It features a fixed opening and is ideal for low-risk biological operations.
Type A2:
Thermo Scientific™ Herasafe™ KS provides personnel, product, and environmental safety with inward airflow and HEPA-filtered exhaust. Suitable for agents with a moderate level of risk.
Type B2:
Example: Baker SterilGARD™ e3. Provides complete exhaust to an external system, assuring optimum protection for personnel, product, and the environment. Suitable for volatile chemicals and moderate-risk biological work.
Class III
Class III BSCs, or glove boxes, offer the maximum level of protection for persons, products, and the environment. They are fully enclosed and gas-tight.
Features:
Operated with attached gloves to ensure no direct contact with the items inside.
Both the supply and exhaust air are HEPA-filtered.
Suitable for high-risk biological agents (Biosafety Level 4].
Examples:
Germfree Class III Biological Safety Cabinet:
Fully enclosed with glove ports, it provides the highest level of containment when working with the most dangerous biological agents. Provides complete personnel, product, and environmental protection.

Baker BioPROtect™ III:
Baker BioPROtect™ III is a Class III BSC designed for secure containment of high-risk infections.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
What is Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) ?
A Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) is a ventilated laboratory workspace that protects laboratory personnel, the environment, and, in some cases, the product (samples) from infectious or biohazardous substances.
What are the Classes of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)?
The classes of Biological Safety Cabinets(BSCs) are:
1. Class I Biological Safety Cabinets
2. Class II Biological Safety Cabinets
3.Class III Biological Safety Cabinets
Related Article