Biosafety cabinet and ultra-clean workbench main certification - Database & Sql Blog Articles

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Biosafety cabinets and ultra-clean workbenches are essential tools in laboratories, especially when handling hazardous materials. However, many users are not fully aware of the standards, testing procedures, or certifications that ensure their safety. This lack of knowledge can lead to serious consequences, such as lab-acquired infections or contamination incidents, as seen in cases from Singapore, Taiwan, and Beijing.

It's important to understand that relying solely on wind speed measurements is not enough to guarantee safety. Instead, standardized testing and certification play a critical role in verifying the performance and reliability of these devices.

Here are the main international standards for biosafety cabinets and ultra-clean workbenches:

• Ultra-Clean Workbench Standards:
• ISO 14644.1 – Air cleanliness level
• Australian Standard AS1807
• IEST-RP-CC002.2
• Biosafety Cabinet Standards:
• ANSI/NSF49 (for secondary biosafety cabinets)
• EN12469:2000 (covering first, second, and third-class biosafety cabinets)

Ultra-clean workbenches protect only the sample, not the operator. Their certification process typically includes:

1. Measuring airflow velocity using a rotating vane anemometer or hot wire anemometer. The safe average airflow should be between 0.4–0.5 m/s with a maximum deviation of 20%.
2. Testing the integrity of the HEPA filter using a natural aerosol tester.
3. Measuring internal light intensity and noise levels.

Biosafety cabinets, on the other hand, provide protection for both the sample and the operator. They are categorized into different types, such as A/B3 (30% gas exhaust, 70% recirculation) and B2 (100% gas exhaust). Their testing involves:

4. Measuring the inflow airflow using a thermal anemometer or a DIM airflow hood.
5. Measuring the downward airflow, which is determined using a thermal anemometer according to NSF49 or EN12469 standards.
6. Testing the ULPA filter with an aerosol photometer, aerosol generator, pressure gauge, and PAO meter.
7. Checking noise, light intensity, and vibration levels.
8. Finally, using a smoke generator to visualize the airflow pattern and confirm containment.