This article, presents a pretty good argument in favor of not allowing gas in a BSC. Many companies utilize gas in the BSC (Biological Safety Cabinet) to sterilize their loops. As consultants we need to bring these potential issues up to our clients when discussing how they will be using the BSC.

• The flame creates turbulence in the laminar flow of air minimizing product protection.

• Heat could melt HEPA filter bonding agents which destroys the filters effectiveness and loss of containment.

• If flame goes out gas will be distributed into the space possibly reaching explosive limits. ( use of an class II -A2 70% recirculation)

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I’m seeing increasing evidence that skilled labor and the people who produce it are growing in value to business owners. So even in an economy with a nearly 10% unemployment rate, why are these key employees in short supply?  The answer is simple, it’s because our idea that the value of labor is rooted in an industrial revolution era concept of the assembly line.  We tend to view all labor as a mindless task reserved to those who don’t have the mental capacity to do something else.  In a six sigma, just-in-time manufacturing world, labor has become anything but a mindless task.  We are increasing the need for both thinking and doing.  I predict that this phenomenon will eventually change our mindset about higher education. To advance in the new economy, we’ll need intelligent workers who can make informed decisions in the manufacturing process and the employers who are willing to pay a premium to get workers that can both think and do.

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