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Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) Routine Maintenance Testing

Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSCs), ​also referred to as Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) serve as primary containment barriers in cleanroom environments, research centres, and hospitals. They provide critical protection for operators when working with potentially infectious agents by using HEPA filtration and a controlled exhaust system. Given their role as key safety devices, MSCs must be reliable and maintained to the highest standards.

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MSCs are classified based on their level of biocontainment and operator protection:

  • Class I: Offers operator protection.

  • Class II: Provides both operator and product protection.

  • Class III: Designed for work with hazardous pathogens, offering maximum containment.

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Validation Frequency
Under the The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, it is a legal requirement that MSCs undergo Validation at least annually to ensure continued safety and compliance.  Units operating within a Grade A or ISO 5 environment require more frequent testing, typically bi-annually.

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Regulatory Guidance / Test Methods:

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We provide expert testing, Validation, and maintenance services for Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSCs), ensuring compliance with BS EN 12469, HSE guidelines, and manufacturer standards. Our detailed reports are delivered electronically.

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When to Test Your Microbiological Safety Cabinet(s):

  • Upon Installation: To ensure correct setup and compliance with operational standards.

  • After Relocation: To confirm continued safety and performance.

  • Following Maintenance: Validate the effectiveness of repairs.

  • Routine Validation: BS EN 12469 recommends annual certifications, with semi-annual certifications advised for BSCs used in critical environments, including pharmaceutical and healthcare settings.​

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Regular MSC maintenance and validation is essential to ensuring product integrity, user protection, and regulatory compliance. Partner with us for reliable and timely service you can trust.

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The process of ensuring compliance is known as Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) Routine Maintenance Testing

Primary Services:

Inflow Velocity Measurements 

Downflow Velocity Measurements 

HEPA Filter Integrity Testing

Airflow Visualisation  

Alarm Checks and Calibration

Detailed & Comprehensive Report

Additional / Secondary Services:

Non-Viable Particle Counting

Noise Level / Sound Testing

Light Level Testing

Temperature and Humidity in the Workzone

Biological Decontamination / Fumigation

Ki Discus (Operator Protection) Test

KI Discus Testing for Biological Safety Cabinets

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KI Discus Testing is a method used to evaluate the operator protection performance of Class I & II Microbiological Safety Cabinets. It involves releasing potassium iodide (KI) particles inside the cabinet, with external air samplers monitoring for leakage. The test is particularly recommended for high-containment laboratories (e.g., Containment Level 3 (CL3)) and in scenarios where hazardous aerosols pose a risk to operators.

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According to the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) guidance, to make sure that the MSC is continuing to perform as intended, it is recommended, as good practice, that the operator protection test is carried out in addition to the tests specified by BS EN 12469, at intervals not exceeding 14 months. Additionally, KI Discus Testing should be avoided if it poses contamination risks to sensitive environments or if alternative validation methods are deemed appropriate.

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Dynamic Envirotech technicians have undergone training on the principles and practice of the Potassium Iodide (KI) method for determining aperture containment/operator protection factor as specified in BS EN 12469 and the prior BS 5726-1992.  Training certificates for this can be made available upon request.

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Why Choose Us for Your Microbiological Safety Cabinet Testing?

  • Providing reliable service nationwide, wherever your operations are located.

  • Backed by deep knowledge and years of experience in Microbiological Safety Cabinets.

  • Committed to transparency and excellence through strict adherence to rigorous testing and certification processes.

Dynamic Envirotech Limited

Specialists in the validation of Cleanroom, Bio-Containment facilities and Clean Air Devices

© 2025 Dynamic Envirotech Limited - All Rights Reserved.

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