When are biosafety cabinets typically utilized in microbiology labs?

Biosafety cabinets are specialized laboratory equipment designed to provide a safe working environment when handling potentially hazardous biological materials, particularly pathogenic microorganisms. They help contain aerosols, splashes, and spills that may occur during the manipulation of infectious agents. By creating a physical barrier and using HEPA filters, these cabinets protect the worker, the environment, and the cultures being worked with from contamination.

Utilizing biosafety cabinets is essential in microbiology labs for tasks that involve working with pathogenic microorganisms. This ensures that any potentially harmful agents are contained, preventing exposure to laboratory personnel and limiting the risk of infection or cross-contamination of samples. Their use is governed by strict biosafety levels, which determine the necessary precautions for handling specific pathogens.

In contrast, the other scenarios listed do not specifically involve the handling of hazardous biological materials, which is the primary reason for employing a biosafety cabinet. Storing chemicals, exposing samples to light, and performing chemical reactions typically involve different safety protocols and equipment tailored to those specific activities rather than the containment and protection provided by biosafety cabinets.