ESCO Technologies Labculture LB2 Series, User Manual

Page: 23 / 34

13
Class II, Type B2 Biological Safety Cabinets

Minimize room activity (personnel movements, closing and opening of doors, etc.) since these
external airflow disturbances may adversely affect the BSC’s internal airflow, thereby possibly
impairing the containment capabilities of the BSC.

Ensure that the sash is at normal operating height (READY state) before starting any experiment.

Ensure the front and back air grilles are not obstructed by your arms or any other objects.

Work as far inside the BSC as possible - at least 150 mm (6 inches) behind the front air intake grille.

While working in the BSC, move your hands slowly and in a controlled manner. Rapid movements may
disrupt the air barrier, allowing contaminants to escape or enter the BSC.

The use of Bunsen burner inside the work zone is not recommended. However if the use of Bunsen
burner is unavoidable, place the burner in the right side of the work zone.

Place aerosol-generating instruments as far inside the BSC as possible and at least 150 mm (6 inches)
from clean items/materials.

Place air turbulence generating equipment such as centrifuges, blenders or sonicators towards the
back of the BSC. Stop other work while any of this equipment is in operation.

As far as possible, it is recommended that the BSC be operated continuously in order to achieve
optimal containment and cleanliness. Airflow studies have shown that once the fan has been
switched off, air from the BSC may escape due to the thermal currents from inside the BSC.
3.4 Working Ergonomics
On most occasions, you would most likely be operating the BSC in sitting rather than standing posture. There
are some obvious advantages of the sitting posture:

The physiological energy cost and fatigue involved in sitting are relatively less

Sitting posture provides the body with a stable support
However, sitting position has some drawbacks too:

The working area available is fairly limited

There is a potential risk of being constrained in the same posture for a long time

Sitting posture is one of the most stressful postures for one’s back
Therefore you should pay careful attention to the following guidelines in order to achieve comfortable and
healthy working conditions:

Always ensure that your legs have enough legroom.

Keep your lower back comfortably supported by your chair. Adjust the chair or use a pillow behind
your back whenever necessary.

You should place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Don’t dangle your feet and compress
your thighs.

You should keep varying your sitting position throughout the day at regular intervals so that you are
never in the same posture for too long.

Observe the following precautions with respect to your eyes:
o
Give your eyes frequent breaks. Periodically look away from the work area and focus at a
distant point.
o
Keep your glasses clean.

Arrange the items/apparatus frequently used in your work in such a way that you can minimize the
physical strain involved in handling them.

Exercise regularly
The BSC’s noise emission has been tested and found to be in compliance with EN 12469, ISO 4871 and
NSF/ANSI 49 which is important to ensure health and comfort for the operator.
Ergonomics accessories available with Esco include:

Armrest padding

Lab chair

Footrest
Please contact your local distributor or Esco for more information.