Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are essential tools in laboratories and healthcare facilities for working with hazardous materials. Over time, BSCs may become outdated, require maintenance, or need replacement due to changing research needs. When the time comes to unmount and remove an old biosafety cabinet, it's crucial to follow a careful procedure to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to safely and responsibly unmount and remove an old BSC.
Prior to beginning this process, your BSC must be properly decontaminated before it is removed from the facility.
If you have questions about how to lower and remove a specific make and model BSC, feel free to email at info@innovarecycling.com or call 978-764-0543
Steps On How To Unmount a Biosafety Cabinet or Hood
Risk Assessment:
Before starting the removal process, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and develop a mitigation plan.
Determine the specific biosafety level (BSL) of the BSC, as this will affect the removal procedure.
Notify Relevant Parties:
Inform your laboratory manager, safety officer, and any other relevant personnel about the planned BSC removal.
Check if there are any regulatory or institutional guidelines that must be followed.
Gather Necessary Equipment:
Obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory protection.
Acquire any specialized tools or equipment needed for the removal.
Disconnect Utilities:
Ensure the BSC is properly disconnected from electrical, gas, and plumbing sources.
Consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific disconnection procedures.
Decontaminate the BSC:
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for decontamination, which may involve using appropriate disinfectants.
Document the decontamination process for regulatory purposes.
Remove Peripherals:
Take out any accessories, such as filters, UV lamps, or waste containers, as these may require separate disposal or recycling.
Unmount the BSC:
If the BSC is ducted, disconnect it from the ventilation system.
Carefully unbolt or detach the BSC from its mounting platform.
Utilizing a manual or electric lift, raise the BSC so that you can pull the stand out.
Place one to two dollies ( depending on the size of the BSC) on the floor underneath the BSC.
Lower the BSC onto the dollies.
Secure and Label:
Secure the BSC for transportation and storage, ensuring it is properly labeled as "out of service" and includes relevant safety information.
Dispose or Relocate:
Depending on local regulations and institutional policies, arrange for the disposal or relocation of the BSC.
Ensure compliance with waste disposal regulations, especially if the BSC contained hazardous materials.
Documentation:
Maintain detailed records of the removal process, including decontamination, disconnection, and disposal/relocation.