• Blood is a wet biological specimen that must be dried in a forensic evidence drying cabinet.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Forensic drying cabinets, or evidence-drying cabinets, provide a safe environment in which to dry wet biological specimens. Biological specimens can include blood, semen or other DNA samples. Evidence-drying cabinets protect specimens from contamination in forensic laboratories. Contamination of biological evidence compromises its evidence value. Evidence-drying cabinets also protect the laboratory work environment from contamination by spills or airborne pathogens.
  
  

Blood and Infectious Materials

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set specific standards related to blood, the handling of blood and working around blood. Accordingly, "all procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be performed in such a manner to prevent splashing, spraying, splattering, and generation of droplets." Further, all blood specimens and infectious materials must be placed in a container that prohibits leaks during storage, collection, handling or transport.
  
  

Decontamination

• OSHA requires decontamination of all work surfaces, environments and equipment after exposure to any one blood sample or infectious material. Many forensic drying cabinets are equipped with a self-cleaning feature that decontaminates through ultraviolet light or heat.
  
  

Ventilation

• OSHA standards demand that vacuum lines "be protected with liquid disinfectant traps and high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter or similar". HEPA filters provide a better air filtration than non-HEPA filters. Also, all cabinets with ducts must connect to an air vent that flows outside of and away from the work environment and exposure to humans.
  
  

Certification

• All cabinets must be certified both when installed and on a yearly basis. Certification will confirm that the cabinet meets OSHA standards.
  
  

Biohazard Label

• OSHA requires that all containers of blood, infectious materials or any biological specimen be labeled with a bright orange label with contrasting colored letters. The label should warn all that the cabinet contains a biohazard.