What items are categorized as biological safety equipment?

Biological safety equipment is essential for protecting individuals from exposure to potentially infectious materials and ensuring a safe workspace in labs that handle biological agents. The correct answer includes biosafety cabinets, which are specialized enclosures designed to provide a sterile environment and protect both the user and the external environment from contaminants during experiments involving pathogens. These cabinets are critical in microbiological and biomedical research as they help to safeguard the user from inhaling aerosols or coming into direct contact with hazardous agents.

Additionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and face shields, is also a part of the biological safety measures. PPE acts as a barrier to prevent microbial exposure and transmission, complementing the use of biosafety cabinets.

Other choices may include important items for laboratory safety, but they do not fit the specific definition of biological safety equipment. Protective goggles and gloves, while essential for personal safety, are not exclusive to biological hazards. Laboratory coats and masks serve a broader purpose of protecting against various types of laboratory hazards but lack the specificity of biosafety cabinets designed solely for biological containment. Disinfectants and cleaning supplies are important for maintaining hygiene and safety but do not constitute protective or containment equipment in themselves. Thus, the combination of biosafety cabinets and PPE clearly defines