Mobile Class I Biosafety Cabinet

What is the Mobile Class I Biosafety Cabinet?

A mobile Class I biosafety cabinet is mounted on a wheeled base for use at different locations or in shared facilities. It gives single-pass HEPA protection where a fixed ducted installation is not practical.

Overview

The cabinet is built on a lockable castor frame at bench working height so it can be moved between rooms or benches. It is usually a recirculating design with a HEPA exhaust, since a flexible duct is used where connection to an exhaust system is available. Inflow velocity is 0.7–1.0 m/s across the front grille, and airflow is monitored with an alarm. The work surface is stainless steel and the body is coated steel for durability during movement. Braking castors and a stable base prevent movement during work. Because a recirculating unit returns filtered air to the room, it is limited to low-hazard work. Certification must be repeated after relocation if airflow is affected, and flexible duct connections must not disturb cabinet balance.

How does it work?

A Class I cabinet works like a ventilated enclosure with a single HEPA-filtered exhaust path. Room air is pulled through the front opening at an inflow velocity of about 0.7–1.0 m/s, sweeps across the work surface, and carries aerosols and particles away from the operator. The air then passes a HEPA filter rated at least 99.97 % efficient at 0.3 µm before being discharged, either back into the room through a recirculating arrangement or, more commonly, to the atmosphere through a duct. Because there is no filtered supply air over the work zone, the cabinet does not protect the sample from contamination. Cabinets have a stainless steel work surface, a glass or polycarbonate sash, interior lighting and usually a UV lamp for surface decontamination between uses. Airflow alarms and a front grille complete the design; performance is confirmed by filter leak and airflow testing.

What are the key features?

• Lockable castor base at bench height
• Recirculating HEPA exhaust with optional duct
• Inflow velocity 0.7–1.0 m/s with alarm
• Stainless work surface on coated steel body
• Braking castors for stability during work
• Re-certification after relocation

What are the technical specifications?

A typical mobile class i biosafety cabinet configuration offers cabinet class of Class I, inflow velocity of 0.7–1.0 m/s, exhaust of Recirculating, optional duct, HEPA grade of H14, ≥ 99.97 % at 0.3 µm, width of 900–1200 mm and mobility of Lockable castors, 4 positions. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Mobile Class I Biosafety Cabinet is used in shared or multi-room facilities, field and mobile laboratories, teaching demonstrations and low-hazard sample handling. Across the wider Class I Cabinets class, laboratories also deploy it for low-risk microbiology, centrifuge and equipment enclosures and veterinary and agricultural work.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include EN 12469 (biosafety cabinets), NSF/ANSI 49 (biosafety cabinetry), ISO 14644-1 (cleanroom classification), GB 19489 (biosafety laboratory requirements) and IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment). Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Install the cabinet away from doors, vents and high-traffic areas, with clearance for service and filter replacement. If ducted, verify the exhaust fan and duct are dedicated and that airflow cannot fall below the alarm threshold; an undersized or blocked duct can reverse the internal flow. Confirm filter integrity and inflow velocity at installation and at least annually, and record results. Reduce clutter inside the cabinet, since bulky items disturb airflow and reduce protection. Clean the work surface before and after use, use UV lamps only as a supplement to chemical disinfection, and never rely on UV for penetrating surfaces. Confirm that the exhaust discharge point meets local requirements.

How do I select the right Mobile Class I Biosafety Cabinet?

Choose a mobile unit where the work location changes or a fixed installation is impractical. Confirm that recirculation is acceptable for the agents used and that the cabinet can be re-certified after moving. RFQ: mobility, duct option, width, alarm and certification schedule.

How does it compare with other Class I Cabinets variants?

Choose a Class I cabinet when operator and environmental protection are needed but the sample does not require protection, for example for low-risk microbiology, homogenising, or housing a centrifuge or shaking device. Confirm the inflow velocity and HEPA exhaust arrangement, and decide whether exhaust goes to the atmosphere by duct or is filtered and recirculated, since recirculation is not acceptable for many agents. Match the internal height to the equipment housed and the external footprint to the bench or floor space. Check whether the cabinet must be connected to an exhaust system and whether a thimble or direct connection is used. Confirm certification to EN 12469 or NSF/ANSI 49 where applicable, and plan annual recertification. Class I cabinets are not suitable when sterile product protection is required.