Under what conditions should a clean bench be considered for use?

A clean bench is specifically designed to provide a sterile environment for working with non-hazardous materials and to protect the product rather than the user. It provides a sterile airflow toward the user and is not equipped to protect the personnel from hazardous materials. Therefore, it should only be considered for use when there is no possible risk to personnel, making it safe to work in an environment where biological or chemical hazards are absent.

If there is potential exposure to hazardous materials, other safety measures, such as biosafety cabinets or fume hoods, would be more appropriate for protecting personnel. Understanding the intended use and safety features of a clean bench is crucial in determining the conditions under which it can be safely utilized in a laboratory setting.