Basic Documentation

Table Of Contents
Laboratory Ventilation Codes and Standards
Siemens Industry, Inc. 92
Topic Requirement(s) Commentary
Biological
Safety
Cabinet
Design,
Construction
and
Performance
Requirements
National Sanitation Foundation, NSF 49 -2008, Biosafety Cabinetry: Design,
Construction, Performance and Field Certification
5 Design and construction
5.1 General
Cabinets shall be designed and constructed to function properly and operate in a
safe manner, minimize contamination, provide personnel and product protection, and
be capable of being cleaned and decontaminated. Exposed burrs and sharp edges
(including, but not limited to, sheet metal screws) shall be eliminated from surfaces of
the cabinet that are subject to normal operation, field certification, and maintenance
(including those maintained with simple tools).
5.2 Cleanability
Interior work, exposed interior, and the other interior surfaces subject to splash or
spillage shall be readily accessible and easily cleanable as assembled or when
removed. Interior work, exposed interior, and other interior surfaces, including
plenums, shall be capable of being vapor or gas decontaminated.
5.3 Decontamination
Cabinets shall be designed to be decontaminated with an inactivating agent (such as
formaldehyde gas) without being moved. Closure to contain decontaminating agents
should be limited to gas-tight sealing of air intake and exhaust openings with metal
plates, or plastic film and tape, or equivalent. Pressure tight valves, if provided,
suitable for decontamination shall be located on the clean side of the
HEPA filter.
5.17.4 Sliding Sash Alarm
Sliding sash enclosures shall include an audible alarm activated when the sash is
raised above the manufacturer's specified opening height.
Additional design and construction requirements listed in Section 5 cover:
Plenums, Internal Corners, Interior Angles, Joints & Seams, Fastening
Methods, Removable Panels
Stability, Mounting Provisions, Legs & Feet, Reinforcing & Framing, Fixed
Panels, Doors & Covers, Louvers & Openings, Tracks & Guides, Filters,
Gaskets, Sealants, Stopcocks & Service Outlets, Alarms, Electrical
Components, Lighting, Gauges, Drain Spillage Trough, Diffuser Placement,
Work Area Components Placement, Height and Width and Data plates.