Biological safety cabinets (BSC) are primary barrier protection for individuals working with biological materials.  This primary containment device is designed to remove aerosols at the site of their generation and therefore limit spread by contact with the user. A BSC not only provides protection of the user, but it also protects the environment and provides a clean work environment which protects the product. 

UT-Southwestern Biological Safety Cabinet Policy states that BSCs are to be certified at the time of installation, any time the BSC is moved, and annually thereafter. This certification ensures a biosafety cabinet is in good working order by testing supply velocity, HEPA filter leak testing, exhaust, etc. A properly working biosafety cabinet will protect laboratory workersfrom exposure, and protect the research material itself.

EH&S has created the Biological Safety Cabinet Program to increase compliance and safety.
Upon initial Program Setup EH&S will:

• Handle administrative responsibilities of BSC certification and decontamination.
• Coordinate services technicians with departmental laboratory staff onsite.
• Mantain all paperwork and documentation necessary to ensure compliance.
• Provide preferred vendor pricing and annual certification reminders.

It is through this program that EH&S hopes to achieve an annual automated BSC cerification process thereby increasing campus wide compliance and safety.