Biological Safety Cabinets

Biological safety cabinets at Yale are certified annually through a contract with an accredited certification company. OEHS will coordinate and schedule the annual certification for each cabinet on contract. To add or remove a biosafety cabinet to a contract, please complete the Clean Air Device Users Petition form and return to OEHS by fax at 785-3550 or email the completed form by

* In addition to the annual certification requirement, all biological safety cabinets must be certified after initial installation, after moving and following some repairs. Please consult the "Clean Air Device" Guide for requirements.

As a primary safety barrier, the effectiveness of containment is limited by the techniques employed by the researcher and the location of the biological safety cabinet within the facility. As a general rule, keep biosafety cabinets away from doors, high traffic areas and supply diffusers. Click here for a summary on the effective use of the cabinet. For Biological Safety Cabinet installation specifications, click here.

The purchase of a new biological safety cabinet must be coordinated through the Yale University Purchasing Department and OEHS. Contact 785-3550 for more information. For a quick reference guide, print out the "Biosafety Cabinet" brochure.

The purchase and use of clean benches are strongly discouraged by OEHS. Clean benches blow air across the work space and directly at the operator, risking exposure to any aerosols generated in the work space and direct contamination of the worker's mucous membranes, exposed skin and clothing. If you are currently using a clean bench for any microbiological experiments, contact your Safety Advisor or OEHS for a review of procedures.