Verifying containment of the Labconco XPert Balance Enclosures

Abstract

An independent industrial hygiene laboratory tested the ability of a Labconco XPert Balance Enclosure to contain particulates.

Introduction

The purpose of a balance enclosure, such as the XPert Balance Enclosure, is to protect the user during weighing of fine, potent powders, including pharmaceutical ingredients. But just how well does an enclosure keep these toxic particulates contained? The Labconco XPert Balance Enclosure connected to a FilterMate Portable Exhauster was put to the test.

Experimental Conditions

An industrial hygiene air-monitoring study*, conducted by SafeBridge Consultants, Incorporated, Mountain View, California, verified the design and performance of the XPert Balance Enclosure. They selected naproxen sodium, a non-potent active pharmaceutical ingredient, as the surrogate for the study because it is safe to handle (the OEL is 5 mg/m3), readily detectable in air at low concentrations, has a high dustiness quotient and challenging electrostatic properties.

The study was designed to assess potential exposure to airborne concentrations of naproxen sodium for three operators of varying skill levels and physical statures. The operators performed dispensing and weighing tasks in the XPert while monitors measured the concentration of naproxen sodium in the operators' breathing zones. Each operator performed the tasks at a Mettler Toledo AX-105 Delta Range Balance placed inside a Labconco XPert Balance Enclosure operated at 78 fpm.

Labconco engineers selected the face velocity setting based on two objectives: 1) optimize the capture and containment of powders. 2) minimize the air turbulence that could interfere with balance operation.

The task performed involved the operators dispensing twenty, one-gram quantities of naproxen sodium from a bulk container. With a spatula, the operators placed the samples into 20 ml sealable glass scintillation vials.

Operator 1, an analytical chemist of small stature, exercised good technique with only minor spillage.

Operator 2, an engineer of average stature, had the least amount of experience with dispensing. He spilled evident amounts of the sample onto the work surface inside the enclosure.

Operator 3, an industrial hygienist of large physical stature executed the task quickly with excellent technique.

For each operator, SafeBridge collected air samples at the operator's collar (breathing zone) as well as other locations inside and outside the testing room. The samples were analyzed for naproxen sodium using HPLC and fluorescence detection.

Results

Test results showed a personal exposure ranging from non-detectable to less than 23 ng/m3 indicating no significant release of powder beyond the plane of the enclosure access opening or into the operators' breathing zones.

Conclusions

The XPert Balance Enclosure demonstrated excellent containment when used by an operator using excellent technique and good containment when used by an operator using marginal technique. While no enclosure can compensate for improper technique, these results confirm that the XPert Balance Enclosure provides a safe work environment.
 

References *Haggerty, Edward J., CIH, Industrial Hygiene Exposure/Containment Study for the Labconco XPert Balance Enclosure & FilterMate Portable Exhauster, SafeBridge Consultants, Inc., October 8, 2003. Source: Labconco