Certification and Servicing
Nata Testing and Servicing
Fume Cupboard Testing
Is Your Fume Cupboard Protecting Your Team? Understanding Fume Cupboard Testing in Australia -Responsibilities of Labs
Protecting Your Lab: The Importance of Fume Cupboard Testing in Australia
Maintaining a safe laboratory environment is paramount, and properly functioning fume cupboards and Cabinets are a cornerstone of this safety.
In Australia, fume cupboard testing is mandated by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2243.8 and AS/NZS 2243.9 for Fume Cupboards and Recirculating Fume Cabinets repectively.
Testing to these standards by a NATA acredited company is essential to ensure these vital pieces of equipment effectively contain and exhaust hazardous substances.
What You Need to Know About Fume Cupboard Testing:
Adhering to the Standard:
Compliance with AS/NZS 2243.8 and AS/NZS 2243.9 is not just a requirement; it’s a commitment to safety.
Regular Testing Schedule:
Initial testing is performed upon installation of your asset, and shall be followed by annual testing.
For optimal safety and performance, we strongly recommend six-monthly testing, particularly for high-usage or infrequently operated fume cupboards and Cabinets.
Comprehensive Testing Procedures:
- Smoke Visualization: Our smoke tests provide a clear picture of airflow, highlighting any potential issues.
- Face Velocity Measurement: We accurately measure airflow speed to confirm effective containment.
- Beyond Airflow: Our testing can also include assessments of noise, lighting, scrubbers, fire safety, and air purification systems.
The Advantages of Routine Testing:
- Enhanced Safety: Protect your personnel from harmful chemicals and gases.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meet all necessary Australian safety standards.
- Optimized Performance: Ensure your fume cupboards are working as they should.
- Cost Savings: Identify inefficiencies that can lead to higher energy bills.
Biologial Cabinet Testing
Are your Biological Hazard Cabinets Protecting Your Team? Understanding Biohazard Cabinet Testing in Australia -Responsibilities of Labs
Protecting Your Lab: The Importance of Biohazard Cabinet Testing (AS 2252 Compliance)
Biohazard Cabinets are indispensable for maintaining a safe laboratory environment when working with hazardous microorganisms. These specialized enclosures provide a critical barrier, protecting personnel, preventing environmental contamination, and ensuring product integrity through a combination of airflow management and HEPA filtration. Class I cabinets offer personnel and environmental protection, while Class II laminar flow cabinets extend this protection to the samples being handled.
Why Rigorous Testing of Biological Safety Cabinets is Essential:
Aerosol generation during standard laboratory procedures is a significant source of laboratory-acquired infections. To mitigate this risk, regular testing of Biohazard Cabinets is paramount. This ensures they effectively contain potentially harmful microorganisms and prevent their escape into the wider environment.
Our Comprehensive Biohazard Cabinet Testing Procedures (Following AS 2252):
We adhere to the stringent requirements of Australian Standards AS 2252.1 (Class I), AS 2252.2 (Class II), and AS 2252.3 (Class III) in our testing protocols. Our checks include:
- Verifying consistent and appropriate air velocity throughout the work area.
- Confirming the physical integrity of the work zone.
- Ensuring the correct and secure installation of HEPA filters.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the air barrier containment (Class II).
- Measuring inward air velocity for personnel and environmental protection (Class I).
- Assessing noise levels for a comfortable working environment.
- Checking adequate illumination within the cabinet.
- Verifying the functionality of any installed alarm systems.
- Measuring the intensity of UV radiation for sterilization (if applicable).