5 Ways By Which You Can Clean Laminar Flow Workstations

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  Posted by Adam Smith Jun 3 - Filed in Other - #laminar flow  - 654 views
  

  Laminar flow workbenches, popularly known as laminar flow hoods, are used for preventing contamination of samples inside manufacturing units, laboratories as well as hospitals. However, in order to prevent cross-contamination, you should clean these workbenches on a regular basis. This will also prevent the growth of microorganisms and equipment. Although it seems very easy to clean an laminar air workstation, here the things which you should keep in your mind by cleaning the workstation:

  Please use lint-free clothes

  Before beginning the cleaning process, you will have to wear a clean Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). After this, take some lint-free clothes along with a sterile gauze and start cleaning the workbench. These cloths will prevent debris from the cloth itself to contaminate the laminar flow hoods. It is recommended that you use a larger piece of cloth so that you can fold it into quarters. This will enable you to use the cleaner portion of the cloth for cleaning each and every side of the hood.

  Do not spray directly inside the hoods

  When you are cleaning the laminar flow hoods, please do not spray directly inside the hoods as it can damage the filters, sensors and electrical outlets. If the hoods have grates, then the cleaning agent can accumulate below it and dry. This may either cause damage to the surface of the grates or leave a residue which can be difficult to remove. So, instead of spraying directly inside the hoods, you can spray on the lint-free cloths and then wipe the interior of the hood.

  Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents

  During the time of cleaning the laminar flow hood, make sure that the cleaning agents used for cleaning the workbenches are not abrasive by nature. We commonly use bleach solutions for the purpose of cleaning and disinfection. However, bleach is a corrosive substance and should not be used for cleaning these workbenches as it can cause damages on these hoods. This is the reason you should avoid using abrasive cleansers and use compatible cleaning agents.

  If you have to use bleach for some reason, then please rinse away all the residue by using sterile water or alcohol. This will minimize possibility of corrosion and increase the longevity of workstation.

  Try to avoid harsh scrubbing

  When you are scrubbing the surface of the laminar flow hoods, try to scrub in a gentle manner because hard scrubbing can cause significant damages on the surface of the workbench and can reduce its lifespan. It can also result in the formation of small scratches. These scratches can become a breeding ground for microorganisms which can hamper sensitive experiments by contaminating materials and instruments. It is also very much difficult to clean and disinfect these scratches. So do not use abrasive cloths for cleaning these workbenches. Take a soft cloth and scrub gently. It is enough to clean the laminar flow workbenches without causing much damage.

  Clean in a particular order

  You should clean the workbenches in a particular order as it is a step by step process. You should always clean the ceiling of these hoods first unless it is a vertical workstation containing a filter on the ceiling. Do not clean these filters as it can cause damages. If the filter is covered with a protective shield, then you should clean it carefully without exerting too much pressure.

  After cleaning the ceiling, take a new piece of cloth and clean the back of the workbench, then clean each side and after completing all these, clean the workspace. Following a particular order while cleaning these workstations will keep them in good conditions for longer periods.  

  Types of laminar flow workstations

  Laminar flow workstations can be classified into two main categories, vertical and horizontal. The main difference between them is the air flow. A vertical laminar flow workstation sends filtered air straight into the workstation environment whereas a horizontal laminar flow workstation will collect the air from the back of the work counter and direct them straight towards the employees working there.

  Laminar flow workstations are required in those places where sensitive experiments or manufacturing procedures are conducted. They require proper maintenance. You can clean them properly by following the above mentioned cleaning tips.