Annual performance testing and certification of air quality is required
of all rooms and equipment per national and international standards.
Biannual testing and certification is required for all biological
applications (such as healthcare, animal research, and food
manufacturing facilities). More frequent testing and certification
may be required depending on specific applications and industries.
Performance testing and particle counts are done to objectively
determine the air characteristics of a room (such as a clean or
isolation room) or the correct operation of air exhaust and filtration
systems (equipment ranging from a simple exhaust fume hood to a Class B
biological safety cabinet or isolator). Positive results of this
testing classifies a room or piece of equipment into specific NSF and
ISO classifications. Negative results indicate the need for repair
or filter replacement to attain positive results. Once it has been
determined that the room or equipment meets or exceeds the
manufacturer's specifications as well as national (NSF) and
international (ISO) standards, it is certified as complying with a
specific standard. These certifications are then used by
accrediting bodies such as the FDA and JCAHCO to assure compliance with
air quality standards with their respective accreditations.
The frequency of filter changes is dependent on the volume of airborne
particulates that the filter is exposed to during a specific period of
time. This exposure can vary with time depending on the
environment (such as temperature and humidity levels), the frequency of
operation of the room or equipment, and the specific use of the room or
equipment. Performance testing and particle counts on a regularly
scheduled basis can approximate the life of the filter based on
comparisons between current and previous results.
Certifications are immediately revoked with a change to the room or
equipment. Performance testing and particle counts are done
statically when the room and/or equipment is functioning, but not in
use. Opening a hood or cabinet for any reason can change the seals
and alter performance. Replacement of filters, motors, capacitors,
defective switches, etc. will always change the equipment dynamics.
The simple rearrangement of equipment within a clean or isolation room
will alter the air flow and can negatively affect performance testing
and particle counts. All changes therefore require new performance
testing and particle counts to assure continued compliance with
standards.
All of our technicians test and certify equipment and rooms using a
scheduled route to specific areas of our service area to minimize fuel consumption, additional expenses, and
travel time. The route method allows us to keep our prices
consistently the lowest in the industry. An unscheduled or
out-of-route trip is when the technician must go to
an area outside of their scheduled normal route for that time. This could be for
an initial certification when the client does not wish to wait for the
time when their area is scheduled next, or if they require emergency
repairs or filter replacements outside of their next scheduled visit.
We go to specific regions in our service area twice per year as a normal
route as most clients require biannual testing.
Please call us toll-free at (888) 716-9529, fax us a request for
proposal (RFP) to (678) 648-5284, or send us an e-mail at
service@dixie-certification.com.
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