Specifies basic requirements for Class II laminar flow biological safety cabinets that are intended to provide protection from hazardous biological agents for personnel and the environment and also to protect material use in the cabinet from exogenous contamination.

This Standard specifies basic requirements for Class II laminar flow biological safety cabinets that are intended to provide protection from hazardous biological agents for personnel and the environment and also to protect material used in the cabinet from exogenous contamination. The cabinets provide protection by inducing an inflow of room air through the work access opening, by delivering recirculated, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered, laminar flow air downwards through the work zone and by HEPA filtration of exhaust air.It is intended that this Standard be read in conjunction with AS 2252.4 which describes recommended practices for installation and use of these cabinets.NOTES:1 These cabinets are intended only for handling materials that can be inactivated or rendered safe by an effective decontamination procedure such as that described in AS 2252.4 .2 Additional design requirements may apply to cabinets that are required to afford protection against other hazards such as toxic materials not of biological origin or against radiation.3 For work with cytotoxic drugs the user is referred to AS 2252.5.4 Consideration of ergonomics for the design and selection of biological safety cabinets are addressed in Appendix A.

First published as AS 2252.2-1980.Second edition 1985.Third edition 1994.Fourth edition 2004.Fifth edition 2009. Originated as AS 2252.2-1980. Previous edition 2004. Fifth edition 2009. Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (June 2010).