The Hum Stops Here: Save Energy by Turning Off BSCs

In a previous Greening the Bench post, Switch Off to Save: Tackling Plug Load in the Lab, we explored how small changes to equipment habits can cut energy use. This time, we’re focusing on biosafety cabinets, a crucial piece of lab equipment often left running 24/7. Simply switching them off when not in use can save energy without compromising safety.

Understanding Biosafety Cabinets

Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are vital for protecting both samples and operators. They provide a sterile environment for various lab activities, including working with cell cultures, buffers, and other sensitive materials. However, it’s common for BSCs to be left on overnight. Many people mistakenly believe that continuous airflow or UV lamp operation is necessary to maintain sterility. In reality, the protection offered by BSCs is only needed during active work. Short UV cycles, if your lab uses them, are sufficient for disinfection.

Why 'Always On' Isn't Always Best

Let’s examine the functions of a BSC:

💨 Airflow

BSCs are essential for protecting samples and operators during work. Outside these periods, the airflow doesn’t need to run. Turning the cabinet off overnight or at weekends can save energy without compromising safety.

💡 UV Lamps

Some cabinets come with built-in UV lamps. These are intended for short, controlled disinfection periods with the cabinet closed, not for continuous overnight operation. Limiting UV use to these short cycles reduces energy waste and extends lamp life.

🔧 Maintenance and Downtime

Switching cabinets off when idle also reduces wear on filters and fans. This practice saves on maintenance costs and reduces downtime. Making “on when in use” the default habit is a simple way to embed sustainability into lab routines.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Change Matters

Biosafety cabinets are surprisingly energy-intensive. A single cabinet running continuously can use as much electricity as one or two average UK homes each year. Multiply that across a department, and the numbers become significant.

Turning off cabinets when they’re not in use reduces energy consumption, lowers carbon emissions, and extends the life of the equipment. It’s a straightforward change that delivers measurable environmental and financial benefits while keeping your lab safe and efficient.

Making the Switch Part of Lab Culture

Encouraging safe switch-off habits doesn’t require a complete overhaul. A few simple actions can build confidence and consistency:

• 🧠 Run a short refresher or toolbox talk on why it’s safe to power down overnight, how long cabinets should run before use, and why it matters.

• 🟢 Label clearly with green traffic light stickers to show that the cabinet can be safely switched off when not in use.

• ⚡ Take your own energy readings to track the savings. Sharing real results can be a powerful motivator.

• 👥 Nominate switch-off champions in each lab to lead by example and help reinforce good habits.

• 📋 Make it visible with a small wall board showing which cabinets are switched on and in use.

• 📚 Include it in inductions and SOPs so “on when in use” becomes standard practice for all staff and students.

  
  

Action of the Week

Check whether your biosafety cabinets are left running overnight. If they are, start switching them off when not in use. Even if you don’t control all cabinets in the lab, raising awareness, updating SOPs, and setting the habit of “on when in use” can save energy, extend equipment life, and create a culture where safety and sustainability go hand in hand.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainability

In conclusion, making the switch to turning off biosafety cabinets when not in use is a small yet impactful step towards sustainability in the lab. This practice not only conserves energy but also promotes a culture of responsibility and care for our environment. By adopting these simple habits, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future in scientific research.

Let’s work together to ensure that our laboratories are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. Remember, every small action counts.