VACUUM LINE PROTECTION
- Vacuum filtration or aspiration of supernatant liquids into vacuum collection flasks are common laboratory procedures.
- Building and laboratory vacuum systems must be protected during vacuum filtration or aspiration procedures.
- HEPA disposable cartridge filters must be used to prevent fluid and aerosol contamination of laboratory vacuum lines and vacuum pumps.
- HEPA disposable cartridge filters must retain 99.97% of all particles greater than or less than 0.3 µm.
- HEPA disposable cartridge filters must be placed between the vacuum source and the heavy walled [preferably plastic] vacuum flask.
- HEPA disposable cartridge filters should be placed on the exhaust side of portable vacuum pumps to protect personnel from exposure to environmental particles.
- When the HEPA cartridge filter and vacuum collection flask require routine changing, the vacuum flask and filter should be decontaminated.
- HEPA disposable cartridge filters should be replaced with new HEPA disposable cartridge filters when they become wet.
- HEPA disposable cartridge filters are available from Scientific Supply Vendors [Whatman VACU-GUARD® #6722-5000 or Pall Gelman Acro 50 Vent Filters® #4251].
For more information contact:
James J. Jaeger, Ph.D.
Director Environmental Health & Safety
Biosafety Officer
Your help in improving safety at the
University is appreciated!
Safety Alert # 01-06
Safety Alert Archive