AFMS that offer Validation and certification of Biological Safety Cabinet in accordance with NSF 49, EN 12469, and VC 8041 Biological safety cabinet design and testing standards. These standards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of f BSCs.
Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) are critical pieces of equipment used in laboratories to provide a safe environment for working with potentially hazardous materials, especially when handling microbiological agents. BSC validation is the process of ensuring that these cabinets are functioning correctly and providing the necessary protection for both the operator and the environment. Validation typically involves various tests and assessments to confirm compliance with safety standards.
Below is the aspects of biological safety cabinet validation offered by AFMS:
Biological safety cabinet validation
HEPA Filter Integrity Testing (Exhaust and Supply HEPA filters):
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a crucial component of BSCs. Validation includes testing the integrity of these filters to ensure they effectively remove airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses.
Airflow Velocity and Direction Testing (Inflow and downflow):
Ensuring the correct airflow pattern is crucial for the protection of the operator and the prevention of contamination. Validation involves measuring and confirming the airflow velocity and direction within the cabinet.
Smoke Visualization Testing:
Smoke testing is often performed to visually assess the airflow patterns within the cabinet. This helps ensure that air is moving in the intended direction and is not leaking from the cabinet.
Site Installation Test:
Ensuring all alarms are in place to alert the use of any unsafe conditions. Secondly to ensure the interlockings are in place to prevent unsafe conditions in within the biological safety cabinet.
Pressure decay test:
For class III BSC - this test is conducted to ensure no air leakage in the structure, Joints, seals, and penetrations on the units.
Visual inspections:
Lighting Inspection to ensure proper illumination. Vibration to ensure no excessive vibration on the unit.
General Checks:
inspections for any signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or malfunctioning components, including checking the condition of seals, airflow indicators, and control panels.
General Checks:
inspections for any signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or malfunctioning components, including checking the condition of seals, airflow indicators, and control panels.
HEPA FILTER INTEGRITY TESTING (EXHAUST AND SUPPLY HEPA FILTERS):
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a crucial component of BSCs. Validation includes testing the integrity of these filters to ensure they effectively remove airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses.
AIRFLOW VELOCITY AND DIRECTION TESTING (INFLOW AND DOWNFLOW):
Ensuring the correct airflow pattern is crucial for the protection of the operator and the prevention of contamination. Validation involves measuring and confirming the airflow velocity and direction within the cabinet.
SMOKE VISUALIZATION TESTING:
Smoke testing is often performed to visually assess the airflow patterns within the cabinet. This helps ensure that air is moving in the intended direction and is not leaking from the cabinet.
SITE INSTALLATION TEST:
Ensuring all alarms are in place to alert the use of any unsafe conditions. Secondly to ensure the interlockings are in place to prevent unsafe conditions in within the biological safety cabinet.
PRESSURE DECAY TEST:
For class III BSC - this test is conducted to ensure no air leakage in the structure, Joints, seals, and penetrations on the units.
VISUAL INSPECTIONS:
Lighting Inspection to ensure proper illumination. Vibration to ensure no excessive vibration on the unit.
GENERAL CHECKS:
inspections for any signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or malfunctioning components, including checking the condition of seals, airflow indicators, and control panels.
