9
PAC MAX AIR CLEANER
INSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
SECTION FOUR - MAINTENANCE & SERVICE (CONTINUED)
RELOCATING A CONTAMINATED UNIT
NOTE: Use proper protocol, gowning, and protective
measures.
1. If an existing unit is to be placed into storage for an
extended period of time, remove and replace the prefilter.
2. Turn the unit off and disconnect from power source.
3. Clean the exterior surfaces of the unit.
4. Unlock caster wheel locks and move unit to its new
location.
UNIT DECONTAMINATION
NOTE: Use proper protocol, gowning, and protective
measures during unit decontamination.
Should decontamination of the unit be required, the
following is an adaptation by Annex G. of the Recommended
Microbiological Decontamination Procedure from NSF 49,
June 2008. Confirm with appropriate Biosafety and Industrial
Safety Professionals that the procedures meet your facility’s
guidelines.
Paraformaldehyde Decontamination
1. As described previously, relocate the unit to a controlled
access, non-public area with a non-porous floor, good
ventilation, and a dedicated exhaust directly outside the
building. A new prefilter is not required. Attach and seal
a flexible hose to the dedicated exhaust. Place the other
end of the exhaust hose near the unit.
2. Calculate the total volume of the unit by multiplying the
height, width, and depth. The total unit volume is 13 cubic
feet (61” x 24” x 15.5”) or (1.55m x 0.61m x 0.39m).
3. Multiply the total volume of the unit by 0.3g/ft3to
determine the gram weight of Paraformaldehyde
required. Decontamination of the unit requires 3.9 grams
(12 ft3 x 0.3g/ ft3) of Paraformaldehyde.
4. Remove the intake grille and wipe it down with an
appropriate surface decontaminant.
5. Place an unplugged heating device, such as a commercially
available electric frying pan with the thermostat set
at 232.2° to 246.1°C (450° to 475°F) inside the unit
through the removed prefilter access panel. Spread
the Paraformaldehyde evenly over the heating surface
of the electric frying pan. Caution: The auto-ignition
temperature of paraformaldehyde is 300°C (572°F).
Place a hot plate, beaker of water, and temperature and
humidity indicators in the unit next to the pan that will
contain the paraformaldehyde.
6. Enclose all sides of the unit with heavy gauge plastic film
and tape in place while leaving the film that will close the
space formerly occupied by the intake grille free. The
power cord should be coiled and taped to the unit and
sealed under the plastic film. Seal the film to the floor on
which the unit stands.
7. Determine the temperature and humidity inside the unit.
8. The temperature should be 21.1°C (70°F) or higher with a
humidity level between 60% to 85%. Use the hot plate to
heat the beaker of water until the desired temperature
and humidity are achieved. Disconnect the hot plate.
9. Seal the film over the remaining opening of the intake grille
space. Carefully seal around the power cord extending
from the electric frying pan so that formaldehyde gas will
not leak out.
10. Plug the cord of the electric frying pan into an outlet.
11. After the Paraformaldehyde has depolymerized,
disconnect the frying pan from the electrical outlet.
12. Allow the unit to stand for a minimum of two hours or
overnight.
13. Attach the flexible hose to the unit and allow it to draw
from inside the unit.
14. After 15 minutes of visible exhaust activity, small openings
may be made in the film over the unit’s air supply grille to
improve ventilation.
15. Allow the unit to ventilate overnight.
16. Remove the unit from exhaust ventilation when the
formaldehyde gas has been exhausted. Caution: During
unit decontamination, respiratory protection for service
personnel is highly recommended. Only national institute
for occupational safety and health (NIOSH) approved
respirators should be used.
17. Remove the HEPA filter as described previously. The filter
can now be disposed of as general waste.
Phenolic Decontamination
In facilities where Paraformaldehyde gas decontamination is
prohibited or not feasible, the unit can be disinfected by the
following procedure.
1. Remove the prefilter.
2. After the intake grille and prefilter are removed, turn
the unit on, and with the unit running, spray a mist of
phenolic disinfectant such as Amphyl or Lysol into the air
intake opening. Approximately two (2) to five (5) ounces
is adequate.
3. Remove the HEPA filter as described previously. Since the
filter has not been decontaminated by the formaldehyde
procedure, it must be placed in a red medical waste bag
and disposed of properly.
