Envirco NSF Biohazard Cabinet - Manual (Page 27)

27
Working in the Biohazard Cabinet
Caution: Because of the highly specialized nature of the ENVIRCO Biohazard
Cabinet, it is recommended that an Authorized Service Contractor
perform all service and maintenance. A maintenance and service
decontamination procedure is available upon request.
1. The cabinet is ready to use only after an Authorized ENVIRCO Service
Contractor has completed on-site testing and certification procedures.
2. All equipment should be clean before being placed inside the cabinet work area.
3. Close the viewscreen and secure it in the working position.
4. Turn on the lights and blowers with the switches located on the control panel and
wait until the airflow reaches an acceptable speed.
5. Test for airflow containment by holding a smoke source in front of the cabinet
opening. This simple visual smoke test is described on page 24 in the "Visual
Containment Test" section of this manual. This procedure may be repeated
daily, however, routine re-certification of the cabinet is always recommended.
6. Allow the cabinet to run for five (5) minutes in order to remove any airborne
particulate material from the system before beginning work.
7. Equipment should not obstruct the front and rear return grilles in order to maintain
proper airflow and avoid air turbulence. Work procedures should be conducted
only on the non-perforated work surface.
8. All equipment and containers should be placed in the cabinet before work is
begun. The front viewscreen should never be lifted during a procedure, as this
disrupts the airflow characteristics of the cabinet and may allow contaminated air
to leave the cabinet and room air to enter the cabinet.
9. Unnecessary items should not be stored in the work area.
10. The cabinet does not have the ability to remove contaminants from its surfaces.
To prevent surface-to-surface contamination, clean all equipment using proper
safety and clean handling techniques.
11. The operator's hands and arms should be placed into and withdrawn from the
work area slowly, thus preventing "dragging" of air from one environment to the
other. Laboratory coat sleeves and cuffs should fit snugly on the operator's arms
in order to avoid trapping the contaminated air that is entering front return grille.
Surgical gloves are recommended while working in the cabinet.
12. After the working procedure is completed and the containers of biohazardous
material are closed and sealed, the cabinet should be allowed to run for five (5)
minutes to remove airborne contamination within the cabinet before the
equipment and containers are removed. If the normal daily working routine in the
cabinet includes the constant exposure of low to moderate risk level agents, it is
suggested that the cabinet be operated continuously, 24-hours a day, seven (7)
days a week.