If your laboratory uses a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC), the new AS 2252.2:2025 standard directly affects you. This update replaces the 2009 edition and strengthens Australia’s independent framework for safety, testing and operator protection.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know; what’s changed, why it matters, and how to ensure your lab stays compliant.
What is AS 2252.2:2025?
The AS 2252.2:2025 standard sets out the design, construction, and testing requirements for Class II Biological Safety Cabinets. These cabinets are critical pieces of laboratory equipment, designed to:
- Protect personnel from exposure to harmful biological materials
- Protect the environment by preventing the release of hazardous aerosols
- Protect samples and research integrity by maintaining clean, HEPA-filtered airflow
The new standard builds on years of evolving science and real-world laboratory needs while reaffirming the distinction between a Class II BSC and a Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinet. The latest standard clarifies that Class II Cabinets may use thimble exhaust connections where appropriate, but direct hard-ducting to atmosphere remains prohibited. Importantly, AS 2252.2:2025 also introduces safety measures for Sash Windows, which are a direct result from user feedback and fan loading test to better simulate real-world performance.
Key Changes in the New Standard
– The latest version returns to a fixed downflow velocity range of 0.40-0.45 m/s +/- 20%
– Test methods have been updated to suit AS 1807:2019
– Requires ILAC accredited laboratory testing for ‘type-verification’
– Introduces ‘Fan Loading’ tests to confirm operation under load (simulating used filters)
– HEPA filter integrity: aerosol penetration ≤ 0.01%.
– Work zone integrity: no aerosol leakage into the work area.
– Air Barrier Containment: Aerosol Challenge or KI Discuss Test
– Air velocity & uniformity: 0.40–0.45 m/s, consistent within ±20%.
– Gastightness: cabinet shell must meet AS 1807 standards.
– Noise: ≤ 65 dB(A).
– Lighting: ≥ 650 lx average intensity.
– Vibration limits: < 0.5 mm/s horizontal, < 1.0 mm/s vertical.
– Sash window safety: locking mechanisms and alarms to prevent accidents.
– Clearer guidance on safe use, minimum intensity levels, and regular testing.
– Mandatory warning labels and interlocks to prevent operator exposure.
– Sash height alarm: Audible and visual alerts when raised above safe working height.
– UV and fan interlocks: Prevents UV operation with sash open and fan shutdown during use.
– Automatic airflow compensation: Adjusts fan speed to maintain safe inflow as sash moves.
– Fail-safe mechanism: Sash cannot drop or remain open if counterbalance or actuator fails.
Why These Updates Matter
These changes are not just technical tweaks, they directly affect lab safety, compliance, and day-to-day operations.
Better containment: Stronger airflow and filter standards reduce the risk of exposure.
Improved operator conditions: Ergonomics, noise reduction, and sash safety make for safer, more comfortable long-term use.
Reduced compliance risk: Regular testing and certification protect against regulatory non-compliance.
FAQs: AS 2252.2:2025 Explained
The new edition introduces fan loading, on-site gas tightness and sash interlock verification, expanding on current checks to confirm containment performance.
Not necessarily, but your current cabinet must meet the updated performance and testing requirements. If it doesn’t, upgrading may be the safer and more cost-effective option.
What Your Lab Should Do Next
- Review your current equipment in accordance with AS 2252.2:2025 containment benchmarks.
- Schedule compliance testing using a NATA accredited provider
- Train your team. Ensure operators understand airflow, sash safety, and proper cabinet use.
- Plan for upgrades. If your current cabinet cannot meet the standard, consider replacing it with a compliant model.
Meet the Ultima: Designed for AS 2252.2:2025
At AES Environmental, we’re proud to introduce the Ultima Class II Biological Safety Cabinet, engineered from the ground up to meet the new standard.
- Fully compliant with AS 2252.2:2025.
- Optimised laminar airflow for containment and product protection.
- Advanced safety features: alarms, sash interlocks, UV safety integration.
- Ergonomic design for operator comfort, low-noise performance, and excellent lighting.
Whether you’re upgrading or installing new, the Ultima future-proofs your lab with best-in-class safety, compliance, and reliability.
Contact AES Environmental today to learn more about the Ultima and how it can help your lab meet the new AS 2252.2:2025 requirements.