Cleanroom certification involves checking specific cleanroom parameters to ensure they are built to the right set of requirements. The rooms are also routinely tested with the same factors to ensure that the quality has not changed during operations within the room.
When a cleanroom is certified to a specific class, it must operate to standards that meet or exceed the ISO parameters for that class under a particular occupancy status.
This includes:
- Particle count test
- Air pressure difference test
- Test procedure
- Airflow test
- Leak test of the installed filter
- Containment leak test
- Recovery
- Airflow visualization test
- Test procedure
How to use an extractor hood
Fume hoods are made to keep lab workers secure when handling dangerous substances. They filter the air to prevent inhaling toxic particles that can lodge in the lungs and cause serious health consequences. Fume hood certification is important.
For range hoods to provide protection, users must follow basic safety practices. No matter how well a fume hood is designed, it will not be effective unless proper safety measures are taken in the laboratory.
Before using a range hood
Familiarize by self with the chemicals. One must know potential safety hazards when working with hazardous material. Follow the safety instructions listed on the safety data sheet (SDS).
Verify the fume hood's certification label. Every year, fume hoods should be inspected. The certification label indicates when the hood was last tested and its average forward speed. The average facial velocity varies from 0.5m/s to 0.6m/s.
Make sure the exhaust is working properly. The main job of a range hood is to extract dangerous vapors and fumes from the area. Check the baffles to make sure they are not clogged. If a suspect changes airflow while working, take a break to check things out.
Wear appropriate protective equipment. Need additional safety equipment depending on the materials used. For example, goggles, gloves, and a full face shield may be required for acid testing. If an unforeseen spill or fire occurs, users will be protected from serious harm by wearing the proper safety equipment. Be aware of the nearest exit, emergency eyewash, and fire extinguisher. Make sure the paths to these areas are not obstructed.
Cleanroom Certification and Testing
Clean rooms are designed to use HEPA-filtered air and specific airflow design parameters to reduce contamination and control airborne particulate concentrations and environmental conditions in critical areas. Clean rooms can be under positive or negative pressure. To confirm the facility is operating within operational parameters, a Cleanroom Testing and Certification must be frequently carried out to assure compliance with client, industry, and regulatory criteria.
Cleanroom testing and cleanroom certification services include:
- Airflow volume/velocity readings confirm that unidirectional zones maintain suitable air patterns, and those non-unidirectional flow areas are evenly distributed.
- According to the room air exchange rate (RAER), an appropriate ventilation rate is attained.
- Testing for room differential pressures confirms that they fulfill specifications.
- HEPA filter testing verifies that Cleanroom Hepa Filter achieve the necessary filtration by documenting leaks or other flaws.