Which class of Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) is designed primarily to protect the user and the surrounding area?

The class of Biological Safety Cabinet designed primarily to protect the user and the surrounding area is Class I. Class I BSCs provide a partial barrier against the escape of hazardous materials and protect the operator through the creation of a downward airflow that minimizes exposure to potential biohazards.

These cabinets do not provide product protection, as they are not designed to maintain a sterile environment for the materials being handled. Instead, they focus on ensuring that the user is shielded from harmful agents while working with infectious materials.

In contrast, other classes of BSCs, such as Class II and Class III, are more concerned with providing both operator safety and product protection, with Class II also including laminar airflow to protect the material being handled. Class IV is used for extremely dangerous agents and incorporates additional containment measures beyond what Class I offers. Therefore, Class I is specifically tailored for user safety while acknowledging that there is less focus on the material sterility itself.