On-Site Testing Ensures Compliance for Australian and International Standards
For Australian laboratories and beyond, ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of research relies on meticulously maintained equipment. AES Environmental, a leading provider of laboratory equipment in Australia, and overseas, understands this critical need. We offer not only top-of-the-line solutions like Class 1 and II Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), Fume Hoods, Laminar Flow Workstations, Formalin Storage Cabinets, and Robotic Enclosures, but also comprehensive on-site testing services to guarantee compliance with both Australian and international standards.
Why On-Site Testing Matters
Laboratories, regardless of their location, face unique challenges. While the need for advanced scientific equipment is paramount, ensuring its proper initial installation and ongoing functionality and adherence to safety regulations can be a hurdle. AES Environmental bridges this gap by offering on-site testing, to an international standard AS1807. designed for controlled environments.
Our Approach to On-Site Testing
Our team of competent highly trained and certified technicians travel directly to your laboratory, equipped with advanced testing technology. This ensures a thorough and efficient evaluation of your equipment against the following standards:
- Australian Standards (AS): We are particularly adept at testing against NSF , EN in addition to AS 1807 series. In addition to certifying BSCs,, AES Environment.al laboratory equipment accreditation also extends to AS 2243.8 Fume Cupboards and AS2243.9 Fume cabinets.
- International Organization for Standardisation (ISO): Our technical competency extends to internationally recognized ISO 4644 for clean room classifications,. A requirement to meet regulatory authorities such as TGA and FDA for pharmaceutical and other controlled clean environments.
Technology at the Forefront
AES Environmental applies leading technology when conducting on-site testing on different equipment categories. When testing BSCs and other associated critical equipment, we assess parameters like airflow velocity, face velocity, containment performance, and HEPA filter integrity. If out of alignment we adjust wherever possible to ensure your cabinets provide the necessary protection for personnel and the environment. Particularly important for removing the risk of sample cross infection. When users work with hazardous biological agents.
We test Fume Cupboards and Cabinets for applications involving toxic fumes and vapors. We evaluate airflow velocity, sash position alarms, and overall containment efficiency. This ensures the safety of laboratory personnel by preventing harmful chemicals from escaping into the work environment.
Controlled Clean Workstations are used for maintaining a sterile work environment, while clean room air cleanliness levels are tested to comply with ISO 1644 series classification.
Formalin Storage Cabinets control the environment for dispensing formalin, a hazardous chemical used for tissue preservation, which requires proper storage. We test Formalin Storage Cabinets for leak detection and proper ventilation systems to minimize exposure risk. Robotic automation is increasingly utilized in laboratories. On-site testing of Robotic Enclosures ensures functionality, containment, and adherence to safety protocols when working with automated systems.
Benefits of On-Site Testing with AES Environmental
- Annual Accreditation: All equipment will deteriate through use. Annual adjustment to meet compliance. Reduces the risk of user mismanagement, sample cross contamination and exposure.
- Compliance to A.S1807 series: AS1807 is the only independent published code for testing controlled work environments. At the users work place environment. NSF and EN rely upon manufacturers compliance codes. A BSC tested in Europe will likely perform differently in an African or Asian work place.
- Compliance Assurance: Receive an independently accredited ILAC/NATA report outlining each test result. the report will identify either pass or fail to each test method. Include any necessary corrective actions to return the equipment to a safe operating mode and compliance.
- Peace of Mind: Gain confidence that your laboratory equipment functions optimally, safeguarding personnel and research integrity.
AES Environmental stands out by offering independent ILAC/NATA-accredited testing and compliance services. To a published standard enables our customers can easily verify our competency and capability to certify equipment in their own work place facility. Publicly available standards for test certification removes any ambiguity or manufacturer bias. All biosafety cabinets (BSCs) can be tested and compared using a consistent methodology. Providing greater user satisfaction and confidence., especially in regions like Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These locations are often recipients of donated BSC’s and when tested. Many are found to be unfit for purpose. with some being generally unsafe.
Investing in Safety, Investing in Progress
We recognize the importance of well-maintained laboratory equipment not just for safety, but also for reliable research outcomes. Our on-site testing services cater specifically to the needs of laboratories, ensuring adherence to international standards while eliminating logistical challenges. By prioritizing safety and equipment performance, we empower laboratories to contribute meaningfully to scientific progress.
Maintaining equipment in accordance with welldocumented independent compliance standards extends the life of your equipment. Photo A shows a thirty-sevenyear-old BSC, older than some of the users in the laboratory. This BSC is fully compliant with all requirements of AS1807, and used in one of Sydney’s leading research laboratories.
In Photo B, biomedical participants from the pacific are seen in an AES Environmental training workshop. The workshop improves user knowledge for maintaining and properly using BSCs and controlled environments.