Basic Documentation

Laboratory Ventilation Codes and Standards
Siemens Industry, Inc. 124
Topic Requirement(s) Commentary
Periodic
Inspection
and Testing -
Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada, Office of Laboratory Security, Biosafety Division,
Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines, 3
rd
Edition 2011:
5.1.3 Recertification
Recertification of certain containment components should also be performed, the
nature and frequency of which depend on a variety of factors. For example, verification
of directional airflow, detection of any visual leaks in the room perimeter, recalibration
of sensitive controllers and gauges can all be performed on a routine basis without
disruption to the operation of the containment facility. Monitoring the resistance across
a HEPA filter (that is, using pressure monitoring devices) installed into air handling
systems will provide information as to the necessity and frequency of replacing HEPA
filters. Retesting the integrity of the room perimeter and ductwork is necessary after
any structural change. Retesting of the HVAC control systems for fail-safe operation is
not necessary unless the system has undergone logic changes or upgrades.
5.2 Room Integrity
Smoke testing the integrity of a containment room can be done to detect leaks in the
room perimeter. All joints, corners and sealed penetrations should be surveyed for
leaks. Pressure decay testing the integrity of the containment room provides an
indication of the tightness of the room perimeter (that is, the ability of gases and liquids
to move through the perimeter membrane and service penetrations).
• Containment Level 3 & 4 Room Integrity Testing:
Integrity of containment surfaces to be tested visually and with a smoke pencil or
other visual aid. Inspect floors, walls, and ceiling for cracks, chips and wear. Verify
integrity of wall/floor and wall/ceiling joints.
Acceptance criteria: to confirm the integrity of all penetrations (that is, equipment,
services, etc.) and seals (that is, around doors, windows, autoclaves, etc.) on the
containment barrier.
(Continued on Next Page)
Recertification refers to re-testing of the
ventilation system(s) and room integrity at
certain intervals after the facility has been
commissioned and has been in use. Also
refer to the section on Commissioning at the
end of this document for additional details
contained in Public Health Agency of
Canada, Office of Laboratory Security,
Biosafety Division, Laboratory Biosafety
Guidelines, 3
rd
Edition 2011.