2. Clean Room & Lab Services
In almost any laboratory or research and scientific facility, there are numerous devices, instruments, or processes that require gases to run the instrumentation or process or to calibrate the devices. Gas cylinders that are located in the laboratory area can present significant hazards, and the space they take up can be better used for other more appropriate purposes. Gas delivery systems that are properly designed, sized, and located can improve safety in the laboratory. In addition, attention to high-purity requirements—purity, compatibility, flow, materials of construction, and more—is vital for safety, performance, and cost-efficiency.
There are a number of codes and standards that apply to the storage, use, and installation of gases and their delivery systems. This article is not meant to detail them all, but will reference portions of those standards and codes as they apply to the general principles of gas storage and delivery systems.
The codes and standards that are most significant are:
- National Fire Protection Association NFPA 55: Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code
- Compressed Gas Association CGA P-1: Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers
- OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.101: Compressed Gases General Requirements.
Aerovelta Dynamics Design Engineers apply the follow standards & codes thoroughly in order to comply with the minimum requirements of any gas system.
Aerovelta’s Technicians are trained to follow the Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS 2647:2000) Standards in Installation of Bio-safety cabinet following are the basics normally used in placement of the cabinet should be located in a space that is free from drafts and traffic. Air conditioning vents, opening doors, and personnel traffic can produce air currents, which may penetrate the air barriers at the front opening of the cabinet. The ideal location for BSCs is a “dead-end” area of the laboratory. Nearby HVAC vents should be directed away from the BSC. Provide a clearance of 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) above Class II, type A1, A2, cabinets to allow access for accurate exhaust flow measurements and filter replacement.
Chemical fume hoods play a vital role in containing or removing hazardous fumes, vapors or radioactive materials from a lab setting. Fume hood technology has continuously improved for more than 50 years to enhance safety, efficiency and ease of use.
Properly installed and certified hoods allow laboratory personnel to work with harmful materials at close range, safely and conveniently that’s why Aerovelta Dynamics follows the Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS 2647:2000) Standards in Installation of Chemical Fume Hoods & also we help our clients to choose the right model, design and positioning for operational safety and efficiency in the laboratory, Your choice of hood design and model depends heavily on your application.
The life expectancy of any biosafety cabinet HEPA Filter varies depending on laboratory cleanliness, total hours of cabinet operation and the nature of the work being performed inside it. Aerovelta Technicians have expertise in replacement of HEPA filters in the past 05 years we have gone through many experience in filter replacements in many multinational Pharmaceutical Firms.
Aerovelta Expert technicians have good skills in HEPA filter ceiling modules with collar for flexible duct installation which is commonly used in cleanrooms, isolation wards and operating theatres. They are meant to be installed on T-grid. Therefore the top ceiling height is recommended to have clearance 900mmH for installation to prevent damage to the DTM HEPA during Installation. It will also be ideal to install the DTM from the top of the ceiling with catwalk access. This will also facilitate maintenance for replacement of HEPA filters.
“Preventive maintenance should not be taken lightly;” says John Peters, director at NuAire (Plymouth, MN), about maintaining BSCs. & CFH’s “Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training should be in place before any work begins inside the BSC & CFH.”
He adds that all maintenance, including certification and repair, must be done by a qualified technician familiar with the proper maintenance procedures required for the lab’s BSC. Aerovelta recommends that BSCs & CFHs to be take in maintenance service at least once a year for ductless fume hoods, the most important part of maintenance is the filter.
“It is important that [users] recognize the filters are not just a simple replacement part,” says Erlab’s North American safety specialist Barbara Borzecki. “The filter is without a doubt the most crucial part of your … ductless fume hood and the guarantor of your health and safety.”