Main functions and operation panel
The biological safety cabinet is equipped with switches, blower/fan systems, indicator lights, power sockets, and an alarm system bypass is installed in the cabinet with alarms. All these functions are controlled through a panel located on the front or side of the biological safety cabinet.
Magnehelic Gauge and other indicators
Some biological safety cabinets are equipped with differential pressure gauges, commonly called Magnehelic gauges, which are used to measure pressure changes between points. If monitored regularly, the Magnehelic meter can provide an "overall" indication of the HEPA filter load, that is, the amount of particulate matter accumulated by the filter while the cabinet is running.
Conventional meter readings vary from cabinet to cabinet. If your biological safety cabinet uses a Magnehelic meter, please read it carefully every time you use the cabinet to ensure that the airflow pressure remains the same. To do this, turn on the blower, let it run for 5 minutes, and then record the reading. If the differential pressure rises or falls by more than 0.2, the clogging or tearing of the HEPA filter may interfere with the normal function of the biological safety cabinet. Do not use the cabinet and request repairs.
Other biological safety cabinets are equipped with digital displays for inflow and outflow rates, as well as other functions that display the cabinet's capabilities to provide a safe working environment. No matter what type of biological safety cabinet you use, pay attention to warning signs and alarms.
alarm
Many biological safety cabinets are equipped with an alarm system. If the airflow in the cabinet is threatened, the alarm system will alert the user. When the window sash rises above the 10-inch mark, the alarm usually goes out, rendering the user and environmental protection ineffective, or when the filter does not allow air to pass through them anymore. If the alarm continues to sound, do not work in the biological safety cabinet, as this indicates that there is a problem with the performance of the biological safety cabinet. Instead, ask professional technicians to check your biosafety cabinet. For safety reasons, it is not allowed to separate the alarm to stop the alarm.