Even the smallest issue in a biosafety cabinet can compromise both product integrity and worker safety, so staying on top of routine checks is critical. This biosafety cabinet preventive maintenance checklist helps your team standardize inspections across labs and sites, from filter integrity to airflow testing. With a clear, repeatable workflow, you’ll spot wear, damage, or contamination risks before they escalate into something much bigger.
Key elements of the biosafety cabinet preventive maintenance checklist
To keep your biosafety cabinets running at peak performance, your maintenance process needs structure. Here’s what the checklist includes:
- General cabinet information: Start with the basics: model, manufacturer, serial number, and location. This information ties the checklist to a specific unit and helps you monitor performance or recurring issues over time. It’s especially useful when managing multiple cabinets across sites.
- External condition and cleanliness: You can’t overlook the exterior. This section prompts your team to check for physical damage or contamination risks like dust buildup, cracks, or worn panels. Keeping the cabinet clean on the outside reduces the chance of contamination sneaking inside.
- Internal components and workspace checks: This is where the daily check happens. Use this part to inspect filters, clean work trays, and check gasket seals. It ensures the internal environment stays sterile and minimizes the risk of airflow disruption or particle buildup.
- Airflow performance metrics: Measuring downflow and inflow velocities and comparing them to manufacturer specs lets you confirm the cabinet is still providing safe working conditions. If performance is low, it’s time to recalibrate or replace parts.
- Certification and documentation: This section tracks whether certifications are current and whether reports are properly filed. It helps you stay compliant with regulations and ready for audits at any time.
Customizing your biosafety cabinet preventive maintenance checklist
The frequency and depth of your checks depend on what you’re working with—BSL levels, cabinet class, and how often the unit is used. You can easily adapt the template to your lab’s pace and pressure.
Start by modifying the inspection intervals. If your lab runs 24/7 or handles high-risk agents, you’ll want to set up more frequent checks and additional filter integrity tests. Lumiform lets you duplicate sections or add recurring schedules.
You can also assign specific items to different technician roles. Use logic rules to show or hide tasks based on cabinet class or location. This way, BSL-2 cabinets in a teaching lab won’t get the same checklist as BSL-3 cabinets in a clinical setting.
Lastly, customize the response types. Add photos for visual evidence, or use QR codes to auto-fill cabinet data. This way, you can build a traceable maintenance trail without extra paperwork.
Make inspections faster and more consistent
Download this template and tailor it to your team’s routine in minutes. Assign inspection steps to specific roles, include photo evidence, and track issues in real time. However you run your maintenance, the template adapts without adding extra paperwork, allowing you to focus on compliance and safety.