Dri-Eaz DefendAir EX Manuel Du Propriétaire página 2

If either Filter Change Light illuminates during the remediation
process, immediately change the appropriate filter. See "Chang-
ing Filters" for more information. Upon completion of remedia-
tion, replace all filters and clean the unit thoroughly to avoid
cross-contamination of other spaces. Always wear an appropri-
ate NIOSH-approved respirator and, if needed, other appropriate
personal protective equipment when removing or replacing filters
or pre-filters, or when cleaning the DefendAir. See "Cleaning the
Unit" for more information.
Containment During Remediation
Containment is a critical part of remediation. When damaged
materials are disturbed during the remediation process, particles
are released into the air. These particles could include mold
spores, bacteria and other hazardous particles. A containment
barrier prevents particles from spreading into nearby unaffected
areas while the DefendAir filters the air. Use the DefendAir EX to
maintain a negative air pressure inside the containment area. At
no time should the DefendAir EX be used to supply air to the
containment area. See "Negative Air Pressure" for more informa-
tion.
To set up a containment barrier, use 6-mil fire-retardant poly-
ethylene or a comparable material. For smaller areas, poly
sheeting can be affixed to walls and ceilings with duct tape. Lar-
ger areas may require the construction of a steel or wood stud
frame to support the poly sheeting. All supply and air vents,
doors, chases, and risers within the containment area must be
sealed with poly sheeting to minimize the migration of contami-
nants. Cover any and all materials within the work area that are
not being remediated. Access to the containment area should be
by slit entry with a covering flap on the outside.
Always wear an appropriate NIOSH-approved respirator, and,
if needed, other personal protective equipment when working
either inside or outside the containment area. The foregoing
procedures are not a substitute for compliance with applicable
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for mold
remediation or any applicable Occupational Health and Safety
Administration (OSHA) standards for containment and remedia-
tion. Consult the EPA guidelines at www.epa.gov for more in-
formation on appropriate health and safety precautions for mold
remediation activity and the OSHA guidelines at www.osha.gov
for more information on appropriate containment and remedia-
tion procedures.
Negative Air Pressure
An area has negative air pressure when the air pressure inside is
lower than the air pressure outside. Since uneven pressures
seek equilibrium, high-pressure air from outside will move toward
the low-pressure air through any opening, regardless of size.
This is advantageous for remediation. Removing filtered air from
a contained area by ducting creates a negative pressure inside
the affected area. High-pressure air from the rest of the structure
will flow toward the low-pressure area. Since the airflow is al-
ways toward the affected area, the contamination has less
chance of spreading.
To create a negative pressure, install the DefendAir outside
the containment area and vacuum air out of the affected area
with ducting. Use proper instrumentation to monitor air pres-
sures. See "Balancing CFM for Containment" for more informa-
tion. A tightly sealed containment area will aid in creating an ef-
fective negative pressure. If the containment area is well sealed,
the poly sheeting should billow in toward the room at all points.
Balancing CFM for Containment
Use a manometer to balance the DefendAir's cubic feet per min-
ute (CFM) with the size and style of containment. Too little CFM
will not create sufficient negative air pressure in the containment
area. Too much CFM might collapse the containment barrier. As
a general rule, the larger the contained area, the greater the
07-00403 A 12-01 Copyright 2000, 2001 Dri-Eaz Products, Inc.
CFM requirement. A manometer will show the pressure differen-
tial between your contained and unaffected area. Adjust the vari-
able speed switch on the DefendAir to maintain the desired
pressure differential.
Beware of Backdrafting
Use extreme caution when creating negative air pressures in
structures with open combustion appliances such as fireplaces,
boilers, furnaces, water heaters and HVAC systems. It is possi-
ble to overpower the exhaust ventilation of these units with nega-
tive air pressure inside the structure. Too much negative air
pressure will backdraft deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Inspect
the structure thoroughly for the possibility of backdrafting. It may
be necessary to turn off gas appliances as well as the gas supply
for safety during remediation.
Recommended Installations
STANDARD REMEDIATION: For the majority of remediations,
install the unit outside the containment area. Use inlet ducting to
pull air out of the containment area and create a negative air
pressure. Use a manometer to measure air pressures and de-
termine the proper CFM setting on the DefendAir.
LIGHT REMEDIATION: For light remedial work, the DefendAir
may be installed inside the containment area and used solely as
a highly efficient filter to recirculate scrubbed air to the work
area.
CATEGORY 1 (CLEAN) WATER LOSS: Place the DefendAir
near the center of the affected area. No ducting is required.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the DefendAir EX upright on a flat, stable surface.
2. If necessary, connect intake and/or outlet ducting.
3. Plug in to a standard outlet with the correct voltage and
amperage for the unit.
4. Turn the variable-speed switch clockwise until the unit be-
gins operating. You can adjust the CFM with the variable-
speed switch. Listen for proper operation of fan before leav-
ing the unit unattended.
How the Machine Works
The DefendAir EX is a portable filtration unit. It filters the air to
remove particles, including mold and fungi, by passing it through
a multiple-stage filtration system. Up to three pre-filters capture
larger particles and debris before air passes through the primary
filter. The DefendAir EX can be operated as either a negative air
machine or a standalone air scrubber.
When used as a
negative air machine,
the DefendAir removes
air from a room via
ducting as part of the
filtration process. This
creates a negative air
pressure in the room
and helps prevent con-
taminants from
spreading throughout
the containment area.
When used as a
standalone air scrub-
ber, the DefendAir can
be placed in the mid-
dle of an affected room
without creating a
negative pressure. In this situation, the unit repeatedly filters the
air inside the room to help lower particulate levels. The efficacy
of the DefendAir in helping to lower particulate levels will depend
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