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Chapter 5: Using Your Filtered Enclosure and Appropriate Application
Shutdown
• Turn off the exhaust system and light.
Suitable Applications
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
USA) has established guidelines for chemical cartridge and HEPA
filtered respirators. Suitable applications for the filtered enclosures
are based on these guidelines. As with respirators, chemical
contaminants are adsorbed or treated by carbon; particulates,
powders and biohazardous materials are filtered by the HEPA filter
before air is returned to the room. Biohazardous materials or other
hazardous solids can be used with the HEPA filtered enclosure as
long as appropriate decontamination occurs before filter changing
operations. See Chapter 6 for decontamination procedures.
Listed below are suitable applications for HEPA filters and
accessory Odor Control Carbon Filters.
HEPA Filter Applications,
Suitability and Guidelines
• Biohazardous materials and hazardous solids to protect only
the operator and the surrounding environment.
• Weighing of powders.
• Release of particulates using a HEPA filter.
• Powder or particulate procedures traditionally performed on
an open bench.
• The HEPA filtered enclosure provides personal and
environmental protection from particulate matter, hazardous
powders and biohazardous materials. Because room air is
drawn through the enclosure during operation, this enclosure
should not be used for operations requiring sample protection
from environmental contamination.
• HEPA filters are only effective for entrapment of particulate
matter, hazardous powders and biohazardous materials.
Manipulations that generate gases or vapors, i.e., toxic
chemicals or radionuclides, require the use of a HEPA and
carbon filter in combination. Otherwise the enclosure should
be ducted to the outside. The surface of the HEPA filter is
fragile and should not be touched. Care must be taken to
avoid puncturing the HEPA filter during installation. If you
suspect that a HEPA filter has been damaged, DO NOT use
the enclosure. See Chapter 6 for Replacing the HEPA Filter or
using a Bag-In/Bag-Out Disposal Bag.