With each piece of lab equipment, there are different steps you need to take to ensure you have a sterile and safe environment. We will discuss how to effectively perform laminar flow hood cleaning.
Start Up The Unit
Have the hood blowing for at least 30 minutes prior to beginning the cleaning process.
Suit Up
Put on appropriate PPE: gown with gloves, mask, head covering, and shoe coverings. Grab laboratory grade cleaning wipes along with a 70% ethanol spray solution. Soap and water should not be used.
Pre-Cleaning: HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are very delicate. If there is a metal shield, wipe it down without excessive pressure. Never spray cleaning solution directly on the shield. If no shield, do not clean the HEPA filter surface.
Start Cleaning
For horizontal laminar flow hoods, start with the ceiling. Start in the back-left corner, clean left to right, overlapping each swipe by 25 to 50%. Then clean back wall, sides, and finally the work surface.
Sterilize The Unit
Follow the same steps using a lint free cloth and 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Always spray onto the cloth, never directly onto surfaces. Dispose of all materials in a biohazard waste-basket.
Different Classes of Laminar Flow Hoods
Class I: simplest, protects user and environment but not work substances
Class II: used with hazardous materials, provides sterile environment, used for BSL-1, 2, and 3
Class III: most protection, gas tight, used for BSL-4 materials