Laminar Flow Clean Benches
Laminar flow clean benches are not biosafety cabinets. They
protect the product or research from contamination, but they do not
protect personnel or the environment. The clean bench discharges high
efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered air across
the work surface and toward the user. The air flow can be directed either horizontally
or vertically.
For
this reason, biohazardous, radioactive, chemical, toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic
agents must not be used in a laminar flow clean bench. All laminar flow clean
benches on campus should have a warning label adhered to them stating that
the
above agents
should not be used in these units.
Laminar
flow clean benches provide product protection only and must not be
used in conjunction with any hazardous materials due to their inability to
protect the personnel using them or the environment. A properly used
biosafety cabinet will, however, protect personnel, the environment, and
the work itself. Because of the flexibility these cabinets provide, the
University Biosafety Committee and the Biosafety Officer recommend the
purchase of Biosafety Cabinets for both purposes. The committee
discourages the acquisition of additional laminar flow benches on campus.
If anyone wishes to purchase/acquire a laminar flow clean bench, it must
be approved by the Biosafety Officer.
For
further information, questions, or help in selecting the proper cabinet for your
application please contact Kathleen
Schmidt or call
831-3123.
