1. Scope 1.1
This Standard applies to the installation and testing of Class I and Ii
biological containment cabinets. Such cabinets are designed to control and
contain particulates and aerosols generated by routine laboratory
manipulations.
This Standard provides criteria for testing and uniform procedures for
conducting the identified field tests. The tests are intended to provide
onsite reassurance that the cabinet may be expected to control particulates and
aerosols to the degree determined by tests done on the cabinet. Tests
undertaken in accordance with this Standard do not necessarily ensure
acceptable performance unless the cabinet itself has been designed and
constructed to a performance Standard such as NSF No. 49. 1.2
Successful testing does not imply the suitability of the cabinet for a specific
application. When biological containment cabinets are used for the containment
of nonbiological hazards, other specific tests of the cabinet and the exhaust
system (ie, the containment system) may be required. Requirements for these
evaluations are not specifically addressed in this Standard. 1.3
Class III biological containment cabinets, clean air benches, and fume hoods
with and without filtration are not considered in this Standard. 1.4
Adjustments and/or repairs (eg, minor repairs of leaks in filters, motor speed
adjustments) may also be undertaken in consultation with the user of the
equipment prior to the final testing in order to return the performance
parameters to their initial condition.