If you’re managing a healthcare facility, lab, or job site dealing with hazardous materials, you may have heard the term “doffing chamber.” But what is a doffing chamber, and why is it important? More importantly, how do you build one quickly, safely, and cost-effectively using the AIRWALL temporary containment system?
This blog breaks it down simply, offering expert insight for anyone involved in infection control, construction, or containment.
What Is a Doffing Chamber?
A doffing chamber is a controlled area used to safely remove (or “doff”) personal protective equipment (PPE) after working in a contaminated zone. It acts as a buffer between dirty and clean areas, keeping contaminants from spreading to other parts of a building or facility.
Doffing chambers are critical in settings like hospitals, bio labs, and abatement projects. According to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, over 30 percent of contamination incidents happen during the removal of PPE, highlighting the need for strict protocols in doffing zones.
By using a doffing chamber, you lower the risk of exposure and ensure safer working conditions for your team.
Why Use a Negative Air Chamber?
A key part of a functional doffing area is controlling airflow. That’s where the concept of a negative air chamber comes in. This means the air pressure inside the doffing chamber is lower than the surrounding spaces. Why? Negative pressure keeps potentially harmful particles from escaping.
By combining a negative air chamber setup with proper PPE removal protocols, you reduce cross-contamination and protect people outside the containment area.
How AIRWALL Makes Doffing Chambers Easy
Traditional containment systems are time-consuming and expensive to build. But AIRWALL changes that. AIRWALL products are portable, inflatable, and reusable containment solutions designed for fast setup and reliable sealing.
Whether you’re working in a healthcare setting or managing a construction cleanup project, the AIRWALL doffing chamber setup allows for:
- Rapid deployment in under an hour
- Tool-free assembly
- Seamless integration with HEPA filtration systems
- Durability for repeated use
- Flexible sizing for tight or unusual spaces
These features make AIRWALL ideal for emergency response, infection control, or any situation requiring a fast, temporary containment system.
Steps to Build an AIRWALL Doffing Chamber
Setting up an AIRWALL doffing chamber doesn’t require construction skills or heavy tools. Here’s how you do it:
- Choose the Location: Select a spot near the contaminated area but with access to power and airflow.
- Inflate the AIRWALL Unit: Use the included air pump to inflate the structure. It should stand securely on its own in minutes.
- Secure the Seals: Attach door zippers and seal the entry and exit points using Velcro or zip-tight closures.
- Install HEPA Filtration: Connect your negative air machine to the chamber and turn it on. This step creates negative pressure, pulling air inward and preventing contamination from leaking out.
- Mark Clean and Dirty Zones: Use signage or tape to identify where workers remove outer layers of PPE vs. inner protective gear.
Once the chamber is up, it’s used immediately and adjusted as needed.
Who Should Use a Doffing Chamber?
Doffing chambers aren’t just for hospitals during an outbreak. They’re used by many industries, including:
- Restoration companies clean mold or asbestos
- Construction crews handling hazardous materials
- Healthcare providers in infectious disease zones
- Lab researchers working with biohazards
If you’re in any of these fields and wondering, “What is a doffing chamber and how do I get one up fast?” AIRWALL is likely your best answer.
FAQ: Doffing Chambers & AIRWALL
Q: What is a doffing chamber used for?
A: It’s a safe space where workers remove contaminated PPE to prevent the spread of hazardous particles.
Q: What makes AIRWALL better than traditional methods?
A: It’s fast, portable, reusable, and doesn’t require tools to set up.
Q: Can I create a negative air chamber with AIRWALL?
A: Yes. AIRWALL works with HEPA systems to create a proper negative pressure environment.
Q: Is this setup approved for healthcare use?
A: Yes. AIRWALL is trusted by hospitals and restoration teams for infection and contamination control.
If you need to protect your space, people, and peace of mind, consider building your next doffing chamber with AIRWALL. Contact our team today to learn more about the best temporary containment system for your specific needs.
