Evaluating side-by-side placement of class II biosafety cabinets

In this white paper, NuAire presents evidence-based guidance for laboratory professionals, facility designers, and biosafety officers on optimal biological safety cabinet (BSC) positioning. Authored by industry experts Bill Peters, Dan Hillman, and Ron Trower, the paper explores how environmental variables—including HVAC systems, airflow patterns, and personnel movement—can influence containment performance at the cabinet’s critical work access opening.

Through rigorous testing, including bacterial aerosol challenge studies, the white paper evaluates the impact of placing BSCs side by side or in close proximity. It references key standards such as NSF/ANSI 49 and the CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) guidelines to support its findings.

Among the core recommendations is the establishment of adequate clearance between adjacent cabinets to preserve airflow integrity and containment reliability. The paper also underscores the importance of accounting for laboratory layout, room air velocities, and staff traffic patterns when planning BSC placement.

This resource offers practical, scientifically validated strategies to help ensure that BSCs perform to their intended safety specifications—contributing to a safer and more efficient laboratory environment.

Access the white paper to optimize your BSC installation strategy and uphold the highest biosafety standards.