What are the BioStoffV requirements for fumigation in laboratories?

In the Biological Agents Ordinance, Annex II “Additional protective measures for activities in laboratories and similar facilities as well as in laboratory animal husbandry” states that in the Protection level 3 (if transmission can occur via the air) or in the Protection level 4 , the protection level range sealable for fumigation purposes must be.

The technical rules for biological agents (TRBA) are more specific. TRBA 100 “Protective measures for activities involving biological agents in laboratories” provides for Protection level 3 (TRBA 100 No. 5.4) that decontamination from HEPA filters from microbiological safety cabinets (MSW) in the event of a possible risk of infection to maintenance personnel and other persons, the filters in the installed state with Hydrogen peroxide or formaldehyde can be decontaminated according to the list of the Robert Koch Institute (TRBA 100 No. 5.4.1). More detailed information on the possible procedures can be found in 5.4.2 paragraphs 25 and 26. In addition, the Rooms of the protection level area and the contaminated part of the air conditioning system up to and including the first HEPA filter stage for the purpose of fumigation sealable be and the Surfaces must resistant against Fumigants (TRBA 100 No. 5.4.2 Paragraphs 11,12).

In Protection level 4 must be included in the planning of the air conditioning system (RLT) the concept for Room disinfection by means of Fumigation and for fumigation of the contaminated part of the air handling unit (including filter systems) as well as the safe (low-contamination) Filter change be taken into account. Supply and exhaust air ducts the system must gas-tight and be suitable for fumigation (TRBA 100 No. 5.5, Paragraph 7). Even at protection level 4, the surfaces must of course be resistant to the fumigants (TRBA 100 No. 5.5, Paragraph 12).

Fumigation of rooms or MSW filters with hydrogen peroxide or formaldehyde may be necessary starting from protection level 3. The method of removal and decontamination of filters must be determined in advance in the risk assessment.