Ducted and Ductless Biohazard Safety Cabinets: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re in the business of handling hazardous chemicals, such as in construction and industrial works, it is important to know that handling hazardous chemicals is a lot different than other chemicals.
Biohazard chemicals have the capacity to cause harm to humans in contact with them, to the environment that gets exposed to it and to the overall ecosystem. Because of this, it is of utmost importance that companies working with biohazard chemicals make sure that they are able to store these chemicals properly.
Now, when it comes to proper storage, the most common options are ducted and ductless biohazard safety cabinets. These are made from materials that are durable, able to withstand harsh chemicals and able to protect your workplace from any untoward danger.
But which one should you choose? Let’s look into the benefits offered by both kinds of biohazard safety cabinets!
What are Biohazard Safety Cabinets?
Before looking at the differences, it’s important to know what biohazard safety cabinets are for.
These cabinets create a safe space for working with infectious agents or dangerous chemicals. They keep the user, the items being worked on, and the environment safe by removing harmful particles and contaminants. Biohazard safety cabinets come in different types depending on their design, purpose, and the level of protection they provide.
Understanding the Types of Biohazard Safety Cabinets
Ducted Biohazard Safety Cabinet
Ducted biohazard safety cabinets are linked to an external ventilation system. This system pulls air through the cabinet and then expels it outside after filtering. The main benefit of ducted cabinets is their ability to manage high-risk tasks, such as working with volatile chemicals or large amounts of hazardous materials.
Advantages of Ducted Cabinets
Enhanced Protection
Ducted cabinets offer a higher level of protection by completely removing harmful fumes and contaminants from the indoor environment. This is especially important in labs that work with highly toxic or volatile substances.
Handling of Hazardous Chemicals
If your work involves chemicals that produce dangerous fumes, a ducted cabinet is essential. The external exhaust system ensures that these fumes are safely removed, reducing the risk of exposure.
Drawbacks of Ducted Cabinets
While ducted cabinets offer significant benefits, they also come with some drawbacks:
Installation Complexity
Ducted systems require complex installation, including the construction of external ductwork and connection to a building’s HVAC system. This can be costly and time-consuming.
Lack of Flexibility
Once installed, ducted cabinets are not easily moved or reconfigured. This can be a disadvantage in dynamic laboratory environments where flexibility is needed.
Ductless Biohazard Safety Cabinets
Ductless biohazard safety cabinets, or recirculating cabinets, don’t use an external ventilation system. Instead, they use advanced filters to clean the air before blowing it back into the room. Ductless cabinets are becoming more popular because they are flexible and easy to install.
Advantages of Ductless Cabinets
Easy Installation
One of the biggest advantages of ductless cabinets is their ease of installation. Since they don’t require external ductwork, they can be set up quickly and with minimal disruption to your facility.
Cost-Effective
Ductless cabinets are generally more cost-effective than their ducted counterparts. The absence of ductwork reduces both installation costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
Flexibility and Mobility
Ductless cabinets can be relocated within the facility as needed, making them ideal for laboratories that require adaptable workspaces.
Energy Efficiency
Because they recirculate filtered air back into the room, ductless cabinets can be more energy-efficient, reducing the load on your building’s HVAC system.
Drawbacks of Ductless Cabinets
Despite their advantages, ductless cabinets have limitations:
Limited Chemical Handling
Ductless cabinets are not suitable for handling volatile or highly toxic chemicals. The filters may not effectively capture all hazardous fumes, posing a risk to users.
Filter Maintenance
The effectiveness of ductless cabinets depends on the regular replacement of filters. Failure to maintain the filters can reduce the cabinet’s performance and compromise safety.
Lower Containment Level
While ductless cabinets provide adequate protection for many applications, they may not meet the containment levels required for handling the most dangerous biohazards.
Factors to Consider in Choosing
When deciding between ducted and ductless biohazard safety cabinets, several factors should guide your decision:
Nature of the Work
Consider the types of biohazards and chemicals you will be handling. If your work or workplace involves high-risk materials or volatile chemicals, a ducted cabinet may be the safer choice.
Regulatory Requirements
Ensure that your choice complies with local and industry-specific safety regulations. Some environments mandate the use of ducted cabinets, while others may allow for ductless options.
Budget Constraints
If cost is a significant concern, a ductless cabinet may be more affordable in terms of both initial investment and long-term maintenance.
Maintenance Capabilities
Evaluate your ability to maintain the cabinet, especially in terms of filter replacement for ductless systems. Consistent maintenance is crucial for ensuring ongoing protection.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of work you do. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the biohazard safety cabinet that best fits your needs, ensuring safety and efficiency in your lab.
Ready to Find the Right Biohazard Safety Cabinet?
Deciding between ducted and ductless biohazard safety cabinets is an important choice. Each type has its own benefits and is suited for different settings and uses. Ducted cabinets offer better protection for high-risk tasks and often meet strict safety standards, but they can be more expensive to install and less flexible.
On the other hand, ductless cabinets offer ease of installation, cost savings, and greater mobility, making them an attractive option for many laboratories. However, they are not suitable for handling all types of hazardous materials and require regular maintenance to ensure safety.
Whether you choose ducted or ductless, Ecospill’s wide range of biohazard safety cabinets can easily help maintain the safety of your workplace, significantly reducing any risk of accidents.
With Ecospill’s wide selection of containment units, it’s impossible not to find the perfect one for your workplace.Visit our website for more eco-friendly environmental solutions, and see how we specialise in handling and minimising the dangers of hazardous chemicals.