NSF International Expands Biosafety Cabinet Field Certifier Accreditation
The program offers accreditation for biosafety field certifiers around the world to ensure biosafety cabinets are properly maintained
ANN ARBOR, Mich. U.S. – Global public health organization NSF International has expanded its biosafety cabinet field certifier accreditation program beyond North America with two accreditation levels—basic and enhanced. The newly added basic accreditation level is for field certifiers who live and work outside of North America and will help ensure proper routine biosafety cabinetry maintenance in facilities such as laboratories or hospitals. The basic accreditation program joins NSF’s original program for individuals who certify Class II biosafety cabinets, which has been renamed as the enhanced accreditation program.
Due to the growing demand for field certifiers internationally, NSF International created the basic level accreditation for field certifiers in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, where regulations on proper evaluations of biosafety cabinets are not in practice or are limited. This credential documents a trained field certifier’s proficiency and also helps create added awareness of the need to conduct routine biosafety cabinet maintenance.
“Outside of North America, routine biosafety cabinet calibration and maintenance practices may vary,” said Maren Roush, business manager, NSF International. “Creating a basic level of accreditation for international field certifiers allows NSF International to help develop a biosafety cabinet field certification infrastructure, especially in places that have very few or no field certifiers.”
Field certifiers looking to obtain accreditation to NSF International’s biosafety cabinet field certifier program must successfully complete written and practical examinations. For more information on the field certifier accreditation program, visit NSF International's website, contact biosafetycabinetry@nsf.org or view facts on the basic and enhanced accreditation programs.
About NSF International: NSF International (nsf.org) is a global independent organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the water, food, health sciences, and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. With locations in 30 countries, NSF International is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment.