How should primary and secondary AFD air filters be changed within a containment area?

Changing primary and secondary air filtration devices (AFD) within a containment area is a critical process in microbial remediation, and the choice to keep the machine running is important for maintaining air quality and containment during the operation. When the machine is operational while changing the filters, it helps to ensure that the airflow continues and reduces the potential for contaminants to escape the containment area. This approach minimizes the disturbance of settled particles and actively filters the air, preventing any airborne spores or particles from dispersing into the environment.

Additionally, keeping the machine running during the filter change allows for continuous negative pressure within the containment area, which is essential to control and contain any potential hazards. If the machine is turned off during the filter replacement, the negative pressure could be lost, and the containment area could become compromised, potentially exposing workers and the surrounding environment to harmful microbial growth or spores.

Therefore, the protocol of changing filters while the machine remains operational is crucial for safety and effective containment strategies in microbial remediation situations.