- Accident/Incident Reporting
- Asbestos Management
- Biosafety
- Chemical Safety
- Diving Safety
- Hazardous Material Inventories
- H1N1
- Indoor Air Quality
- Infectious Diseases Information and Advisory Committee
- LASER Safety
- Laboratory Safety
- Local Health & Safety Programs
- New or Young Workers
- Pets in the Workplace
- Radiation Safety
- Respiratory Safety
- Scents in the Workplace
- Smoking at UBC
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- University Health & Safety Committee
- Working Alone
Biological Safety Cabinet Certification
Biological Safety cabinets (BSC) and other HEPA filters containing equipment such as in-line HEPA filters and laminar flow hoods (LFH) must be assessed on a yearly basis to ensure that they are providing the appropriate product, personnel and/or environment protection. In addition to providing protection to the researcher and the experiment, the certification also ensures compliance with UBC policies and standards.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Biosafety Office at 604.822.9527.
Certification Service Provider
For testing and certification services of biological safety cabinets (BSCs), laminar flow hoods (LFH) and in-line HEPA filters at UBC and its affiliates, the University has designated H.E.P.A. Filter Services Inc. as the sole service provider.
To schedule an appointment with H.E.P.A. Filter Services, please call 778.989.8614 or 778.737.0117.
Policies and Standards
The certification of HEPA filtered equipment is in compliance with the following standards and guidelines:
- UBC Policy #10 -Procedures for Working with Biohazardous Materials
- WorkSafe BC Section 30.12 -Biological Safety Cabinets
- Public Health Agency of Canada Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines 3rd edition - Chapter 9.3
- Canadian Food and Inspection Agency Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities - Section 5.2
Important Note about BSCs
Additional times a BSC needs to be certified:
- When it is first installed
- After it has been relocated
- After a HEPA filter replacement
- After a major service, such as a fan motor replacement
Using the BSC for non-hazardous work:
A BSC must be re-certified even when it is used for non-hazardous materials (i.e. pouring media, working with DNA etc.). As the BSC is designed to provide product, personnel and/or environment protection, it must be tested yearly to ensure that it is functioning according to specifications. Please refer to Policies and Standards above.
Important Note about LFHs:
Although not mandatory, we recommend your laminar flow hood is annually re-certified as you are using it to ensure the sterility of your product.
