Biological Safety Cabinet Placement
Applies To: Researchers installing biological safety cabinets (BSCs) in a new or renovated laboratory space.
All BSCs should be placed in a laboratory at a location that provides a minimum of the following distances. Contact the Office of Research Safety (ORS) at (202) 994-8258 if you have questions or would like assistance.
Note: Air supply diffusers or exhaust vents shall not be placed directly over or in front of biological safety cabinets (BSCs), where air movement can affect the airflow into the cabinet.
| Distance | Placement Requirement |
|---|---|
| 6 inches (150 mm) | Behind the BSC to allow for service operations. |
| 12 inches (300 mm) | From adjacent walls or columns. |
| 12 inches (300 mm)* | Between two BSCs. |
| 12 inches (300 mm) | Between both sides of the cabinet. |
| 40 inches (1020 mm) | Of open space in front of the BSC. |
| 60 inches (1520 mm) | From opposing walls, bench tops and areas of occasional traffic. |
| 40 inches (1020 mm) | Between BSC and bench tops along a perpendicular wall. |
| 120 inches (3050 mm) | Between two BSCs facing each other. |
| 60 inches (1520 mm) | From behind a doorway. |
| 40 inches (1020 mm) | From an adjacent doorway swing side. |
| 12 inches (300 mm) | From an adjacent doorway hinge side. |
| 48 inches (1220 mm) | From perpendicular walls. |
| 6 inches (150 mm) clearance | Below fire alarm devices (e.g., sprinklers, speakers, strobe lights) |
| 12 inches (300 mm) clearance | From the filter face and any overhead obstructions when the cabinet is in its final operating position, to allow for testing of the Exhaust HEPA/ULPA filter. |
*40 inches is recommended in the Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) Placement Requirements for new Buildings and Renovations, National Institutes of Health, Farhad Memarzadeh, Ph.D., P.E.
E.4.2.3 Exhaust Requirements
- If the BSC is to be connected to an external mechanical exhaust system, first examine the location to ensure that it is compatible with the cabinet’s exhaust outlet.
- The area directly above the cabinet’s exhaust outlet should be clear of structural elements, water and utility lines, or other fixed obstructions.
- There should be enough clearance to allow for the passage of a 10 inches (250 mm) or 12 inches (300 mm) diameter duct.
- Avoid cabinet locations that require either an elbow directly on top of the cabinet’s exhaust connection or an excessive number of elbows to clear other items.
Referenced Documents
- Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) Placement Requirements for new Buildings and Renovations, National Institutes of Health, Farhad Memarzadeh, Ph.D., P.E.
- 2016 Rev. NSF/ANSI Standard 49