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 d esigned 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.