What verifies containment integrity after cleanup following an incident?

• A. Verifying containment integrity is unnecessary after cleanup
• B. Confirm containment integrity with checks and tests; ensure negative pressure is maintained
• C. Just rely on visual inspection
• D. Only check that doors close

Answer: (B)

When finishing cleanup after an incident, you need to prove the containment system still blocks the release of contaminants. The safest and most reliable way is to verify containment integrity with a combination of checks and tests, and to ensure negative pressure is maintained. Maintaining negative pressure means the inside of the containment is kept at a lower pressure than surrounding spaces so air naturally flows into the area rather than out, helping prevent any leakage of contaminants.

This verification is done with objective measurements and functional checks. Instrumented measurements of pressure differentials using calibrated gauges confirm that the containment is still operating as designed. Visual checks of doors, seals, and penetrations are important, but they’re not enough on their own because small leaks can occur at gaps or through equipment and pipe penetrations that aren’t visible. Additional tests, such as smoke tests to observe airflow patterns and HEPA filter integrity checks, provide concrete evidence that containment remains effective.

Relying solely on visual inspection or just ensuring doors close misses the real risk, since leaks can exist without obvious signs and pressure balance can change with room activity. By combining checks, tests, and monitoring negative pressure, you have a solid, evidence-based assurance that containment integrity is restored and maintained.