The fumigation of a laboratory can be a lengthy and drawn out procedure, closing the lab for several days. Formaldehyde has always been the traditional fumigation method for laboratory decontamination, yet with long lead times, persistent residues and the need for post fumigation cleaning, it has never been considered an optimal solution.
Classed as a Schedule 1 chemical under COSSH there is now a responsibility to prevent exposure to formaldehyde as far as is reasonably practical. Equally concerns over the carcinogenicity of formaldehyde and introduction of strict regulations governing chemical emissions have prompted France to ban the sale and use of formaldehyde as of 1st January 2007. It is anticipated that this trend will continue and that the introduction of the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) combined with the IPPC will force other countries to follow suit.
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour (HPV) has been used for bio-decontamination in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry for many years; however it has not been regularly used for lab fumigation due to the cost of purchasing the equipment and also the need for efficacy data covering Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB). Bioquell's decontamination technology now has proven efficacy against TB (and many other micro-organisms) whilst at the same time Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour (HPV) is now recommended as a realistic option and should be considered as a viable alternative to formaldehyde.
The Room Bio-Decontamination Service (RBDS) offers the benefits of hydrogen peroxide vapour technology without the capital outlay of equipment purchase. In operation for over 4 years, RBDS has a wealth of experience in room, building and laboratory decontamination completing over 10,000 decontaminations worldwide.
Recognising that labs, be they BSL2 or BSL3, have different needs to our healthcare and pharmaceutical customers Bioquell have launched a new service option which, for a yearly subscription comprises an annual site inspection and a 24 hour guaranteed response time (in cases of an HSE reportable spillage). On top of this, scheme membership provides access to our discounted rates for laboratories registered with us.
