Safety, Containment & Controlled Environments

A biosafety cabinet protects the operator, the environment and the sample, which is essential when handling biological hazards. A laminar flow cabinet only protects the sample and gives no operator protection. Choose based on whether your work poses a risk to the person as well as a contamination risk to the sample.

Safety cabinets need periodic certification of airflow and filter integrity to remain fit for use. Ask when the cabinet was last certified and whether it will need recertifying after the move. A cabinet is not safe to rely on until a qualified engineer has certified it in its new location.

HEPA filters have a finite life and must pass an integrity test to confirm they contain particles as intended. Ask the seller about the filter age and the last integrity test result. Budget for filter replacement and recertification if the history is unclear.

Fire rated cabinets contain a fire for a defined period and keep stored flammables from feeding it. Confirm the cabinet is rated for the substances and quantities you store. Corrosive stores need different construction from flammable stores, so match the cabinet to the chemical class.

Financing is offered on qualifying listings, which helps spread the cost of larger cabinets. Should finance be offered on a containment unit, the listing shows it. You are also free to bring it up with the seller when you enquire and work out how it suits your spend.