HEPA Filters - Installing, Maintaining and Monitoring

HEPA FILTERS - INSTALLING, MAINTAINING AND MONITORING

ISSUE:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific requirements for

installing, maintaining and monitoring HEPA filters.

BACKGROUND:

According to CDC, proper installation and testing and meticulous maintenance are

critical if a HEPA filtration system is used, especially if the system used recirculates

air to other parts of the facility. Improper design, installation, or maintenance could

allow infectious particles to circumvent filtration and escape into the general

ventilation system. A regularly scheduled maintenance program is required to

ensure the safety of the patients and staff.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Adhere to CDC requirements. Several critical requirements are identified below:

1. Install HEPA filters with seals to prevent leakage between filter segments

and the filter bed and frame.

2. Initiate a regularly scheduled maintenance program to monitor the HEPA

filters for leakage and for filter loading.

3. Perform a quantitative leakage and filter performance dioctal phthalate

(DOP) penetration test at the initial installation and every time the filter is

changed or moved. In addition, the test should be repeated every 6 months

for filters in general use area and in areas with systems that exhaust air that

is likely to be contaminated with M.tuberculosis (TB Isolation rooms).

4. Install a monometer or other pressure-sensing device across the filter system

for determining the need for filter replacement. Pressure drop characteristics

of the filters are supplied by the filter manufacturer. Refer to VA master

specification section 15885 `Air Filters' for details on HEPA filters.

5. Take special care not to jar or drop the filter element during or after removal.

6. Include in maintenance program procedures for installation, removal, and

disposal of filter elements.

7. An adequately trained personnel should perform maintenance.

8. Wear appropriate respiratory protection while performing maintenance and

testing procedures as well as disposal of filters.

9. Where HEPA filters are installed in the exhaust system, label clearly with