Containment System Planning Guide

The questions to answer before you request a containment system quote — containment level, chemical or biological compatibility, airflow, access, and decontamination.

Containment System Planning Guide

Plan Before You Quote

A containment system — whether a modular isolator, glovebox, or enclosed workstation — is easiest to specify correctly the first time when a few planning questions are answered up front. Use this guide before requesting a formal quote.

1. Containment level and hazard class

What materials will be handled inside the enclosure — general chemistry, biological agents, high-potency compounds, or fine powders? Each hazard class calls for different seals, materials and airflow design.

2. Chemical and material compatibility

Interior liner and seal materials need to resist the specific chemicals or cleaning agents used inside the enclosure over its service life.

3. Airflow and pressure differential

Does the application require negative pressure (to contain hazards inside) or positive pressure (to protect a clean process from the room)? Continuous pressure monitoring with an alarm is standard practice on most containment enclosures.

4. Access and interlocks

How will operators and materials move in and out — glove ports, pass-through chambers, interlocked doors? Access method affects both the footprint and the workflow.

5. Decontamination

What decon method will the enclosure need to support — wipe-down, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, or another method — and does that drive a specific interior finish or seal choice?

6. Size, mobility and facility constraints

Fixed installation or mobile/relocatable? Confirm door widths, ceiling height and available utilities (power, exhaust, gas) before finalizing dimensions.

Get Your Questions Answered

Call (801) 855-8560 or request a quote and describe your application — we will walk through these planning questions with you and turn the answers into a specific containment system configuration and quote.

See our laboratory fume hoods and cleanroom furniture pages for related enclosure and containment products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a containment system discovery worksheet?
It’s a short set of planning questions labs and integrators use before requesting a formal quote, covering the containment level needed, the chemicals or biological agents involved, airflow and pressure requirements, access and interlocks, decontamination needs, and mobility or size constraints.
What containment level do I need?
This depends on the hazard class of the materials handled — general chemical fume containment, biosafety-level enclosures, and powder/particulate containment each call for different construction, seals and airflow design. Tell us the application and we will help specify the right level.
Does my facility need continuous pressure monitoring?
Any containment enclosure holding hazardous chemicals, biological agents or high-value product typically needs continuous pressure differential monitoring with an alarm, similar to a fume hood’s airflow monitor.
Can Labs USA help me fill out a planning worksheet before I get a formal quote?
Yes. Call (801) 855-8560 or request a quote and describe your application; we’ll walk through the planning questions with you and turn the answers into a specific containment system configuration and quote.

Have a Project to Discuss?

Call (801) 855-8560 or request a quote — we work from your drawings, specs and existing bid documents.