NSF International Introduces Certification For Light Fixtures Used In Controlled Environments

New protocol, NSF P442: Controlled Environment Light Fixtures, evaluates light fixtures used in controlled environments where low air pollutant levels, cleanability, durability and structural integrity are critical

Ann Arbor, MI (PRWEB) NSF International, a global public health organization, has launched a certification program for light fixtures intended for use in controlled environments. The new protocol, NSF P442: Controlled Environment Light Fixtures, offers clients the ability to demonstrate through a single certification that their light fixtures are constructed in a way that enables them to be used in controlled environments where low air pollutant levels, cleanability, durability and structural integrity are critical. These environments may include pharmaceutical processing, biotech research, biosafety laboratories, surgical suites, clean room manufacturing, food processing and horticulture.

Prior to the development of NSF P442, lighting manufacturers had to either generate their own test data or use multiple test organizations to obtain the data required to fully demonstrate the safety of their products. Certification to NSF P442: Controlled Environment Light Fixtures incorporates three different tests into one independent, third-party certification, saving manufacturers time and money.

The test elements include: 

• Testing required by the standard NSF/ANSI 2: Food Equipment, which establishes minimum sanitation requirements for the materials, design and construction of light fixtures
• Testing to determine an International Protection (IP) rating of 65 or higher, which demonstrates a high level of protection provided against the intrusion of dust and water
• Unique pressure tests developed especially for NSF P442

“NSF International developed the protocol with industry input in response to an industry need for a single certification for light fixtures used in controlled environments,” said Maren Roush, Business Unit Manager, Biosafety Cabinetry Program, NSF International. “NSF P442: Controlled Environment Light Fixtures integrates a variety of tests that were previously used by lighting manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of their products for use in controlled environments. NSF International performs this single-step, independent certification to verify the design, construction and performance of light fixtures that are intended for use in controlled environments such as surgery suites, clean room manufacturing, biosafety labs and pharmaceutical processing.”

NSF International uses a consensus-based process in developing certifications and protocols that includes input from industry stakeholders and manufacturers.

In addition to certifying lighting for controlled environments, NSF International also offers a Biosafety Cabinet Field Certifier Accreditation Program and certifies to NSF/ANSI 49: Biosafety Cabinetry, which establishes requirements for the design, construction and performance of biosafety cabinets. The standard applies to Class II biosafety cabinets, which provide environmental and product protection for work and employees involved in procedures assigned to biosafety levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Editor’s Note: To schedule an interview with Maren Roush, Business Unit Manager, Biosafety Cabinetry, NSF International, contact Liz Nowland-Margolis at media(at)nsf(dot)org or +1 734.418.6624.