Physical Testing
Physical Testing
of the cabinets is called Certification and is done according to NSF International Standard 49
Requirements for certification testing
Should refer to manufacturer’s test report for BSC being tested
Must use qualified personnel
Must use instrumentation that is calibrated and traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Cabinet Certification - frequency
At installation and at a minimum annually
After relocation
After maintenance procedures performed on internal parts
After HEPA filters are changed
Types of tests covered by Standard 49
Tests directly related to containment and product protection
Downflow Velocity Test
Inflow Velocity Test
Airflow Smoke Patterns Test
View Screen Retention Test
Work Opening Edge Retention Test
Sash/Window Seal Test
Downflow Test
HEPA Filter Leak Test
Cabinet Integrity Test (A1 cabinets only)
Site Installation Assessment Test
Tests Related to Worker Comfort and Safety (optional)
Electrical Leakage, Ground Circuit Resistance, and Polarity Tests
Lighting Intensity Test
Vibration Test
Noise Level Test
UV Light Check
