Correct installation and commissioning of microbiological safety cabinets will help ensure workplace safety in critical healthcare settings, as well as in laboratories and some industrial facilities. However, the installation of this equipment is just the start. Regular testing and validation are essential to ensure you can rely on the performance of the cabinets and that they continue to work just as well as they did when they were first installed.

Tecomak are experts not only in supplying and installing cabinets from top quality manufacturer EuroClone, but also in servicing and maintenance. Our engineers are also fully qualified to carry out the whole range of tests needed to make sure the equipment complies with regulatory standards.

Meeting High Standards of Protection

There are various types of settings where cabinets can be used. They are often needed in healthcare environments where blood or tissue is handled, for example in haematology or oncology clinics as well as in IVF facilities and areas where surgery is carried out.

Safety cabinets may also be installed in pharmaceutical laboratories and scientific institutions focusing on microbiology, including stem cell research. Some models may also be used to provide protection for other applications including electronics and chemical technology, as well as animal research.

If you are not sure which cabinets are the best choice for your specific facility, Tecomak can advise you on this, looking in detail at the type of work you are carrying out and your specific requirements for protection.

In general, a Class 2 Safety Cabinet will tend to be the most popular option, because this type of equipment provides protection for the production and working area as well as for operators. Class 1 cabinets also protect operators and the environment, but do not give product protection. Class 3 cabinets and specialist models are needed for specific processes and hazardous materials, and again Tecomak can advise on whether this type of model is suitable for you.

Microbiological safety cabinets are rigorously tested at the time of manufacture, to make sure they meet all the necessary standards. For example, S@feMate ECO Class 2 Safety Cabinets manufactured by EuroClone and supplied by Tecomak comply fully with the EN 12469 European standard and have CE certification to show they meet the Machinery Directive, as well as meeting the tough testing standards in Australia.

Once cabinets have been correctly installed, there are a number of standards governing their performance, depending on the sector and the type of process being protected. Because of this, it is essential to be sure your chosen testing contractors are always up-to-date with current regulatory requirements. All Tecomak’s personnel who install and maintain cabinets are BOHS P601 qualified engineers, as well as being fully qualified to work in the NHS. Our engineers also undergo regular training to update their skills.

Testing and Ensuring Compliance

Safety cabinets contain their own monitoring systems and alarms. For instance, another EuroClone model supplied by Tecomak, the S@feFlow Class 2 Cabinet, has a control panel including a 15cm screen where users can easily see that a whole range of different functions are being monitored. This includes the HEPA filter and UV lamp. There are also multi-level alarms which will alert staff if there are any problems with the unit’s operation.

However, despite these high-tech features giving peace of mind, regular full testing of the cabinet and area are still essential for regulatory compliance. As well as carrying out routine inspections, Tecomak’s staff can also visit your facility to test the equipment if there are any concerns over its performance.

We will carry out all necessary tests to ensure the equipment meets BS EN 12469:2000 and any other requirements for the specific sector. Testing and validation can be combined with maintenance to minimise downtime and ensure your cabinet is back in operation as quickly as possible.

Our testing includes the KI Discus test which shows operator protection. This is carried out by producing a fine mist made from droplets of potassium iodide, to measure the cabinet’s level of containment. This is a highly effective test which has no risk of causing bacterial contamination to either the cabinet itself or the lab where it is situated.

Other tests include checking electrical and mechanical components, checking filters and replacing them as necessary, and ensuring that ductwork and fans are working correctly. When bio-decontamination is needed during a visit for testing, we carry this out by using technically advanced ionised Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP) decontamination, which is very fast and effective.

Tecomak’s service includes keeping full records of servicing and testing for clients via our database. We provide certification together with our recommendations and the same engineers will visit you regularly to ensure continuity. Contact Tecomak for more information on our full range of safety cabinet services.