I am not an expert on this topic but here is a citation/passage that 
appears
to offer some guidance on the usage of flames in BSC's.  It does not 
address
original question of plumbing natural gas into the BSC. 

Open flames are not required in the near microbe-free
environment of a biological safety cabinet. On an open bench,
flaming the neck of a culture vessel will create an upward air
current which prevents microorganisms from falling into the tube
or flask. An open flame in a BSC, however, creates turbulence
which disrupts the pattern of HEPA-filtered air supplied to the
work surface. When deemed absolutely necessary, touch-plate
microburners equipped with a pilot light to provide a flame on
demand may be used. Internal cabinet air disturbance and heat
buildup will be minimized. The burner must be turned off when
work is completed. Small electric "furnaces" are available for
decontaminating bacteriological loops and needles and are
preferable to an open flame inside the BSC. Disposable sterile
loops can also be used. (Primary Containment for Biohazards:
Selection, Installation and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets.
2nd Edition.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
National Institutes of Health.  September 2000.

http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/pdffiles/BSC-3.pdf
p22 of document, p29 of pdf).

Laurence Doemeny

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of
Kerry Smith
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 6:15 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Plumbing natural gas into BSC

A professor would like to plumb a natural gas line into a BSC(metal 
interior
surfaces).  I am awaiting information from the manufacturer.  In the
meantime, maybe someone on the list has already dealt with this.  Does
anyone have any experience with this issue.  The hood interior looks 
fine,
but maybe there is some unforeseen issue?  Thanks

Kerry J. Smith, CIH
Industrial Hygiene Officer
Risk Management & Safety Department
BYU
801-422-2943
Web Address  http://www.byu.edu/hr/risk/

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