This document presents information on the design, selection, function and use of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), which are the primary means of containment developed for working safely with infectious microorganisms. Brief descriptions of the facility and engineering concepts for the conduct of microbiological research are also provided. BSCs are only one part of an overall biosafety program, which requires consistent use of good microbiological practices, use of primary containment equipment and proper containment facility design. Detailed descriptions of acceptable work practices, procedures and facilities, known as Biosafety Levels 1 through 4, are presented in the CDC/NIH publication Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)
Contents:

- Introduction
- The High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter and the Development of Biological Containment Devices
- Biological Safety Cabinets
- BSC Use by the Investigator: Work Practices and Procedures
- Facility and Engineering Requirements