This specification covers the performance requirements for general-purpose air incubators ordinarily used for incubating procedures. It is applicable to gravity and forced ventilation incubators designed to operate over a specified range of temperature. This specification does not include any requirements for the safe handling of harmful or disease bearing organisms. Temperature uniformity within a specified period of time shall be tested using several thermocouples.

1.1 This specification covers the performance requirements for general purpose air incubators ordinarily used for incubating procedures, which have an incubating chamber up to 0.6 m³ (25 ft³) in volume. It is applicable to gravity and forced ventilation incubators designed to operate over all or part of the temperature range from 5 °C above ambient to 75 °C.

1.2 This specification does not include any requirements for the safe handling of harmful or disease bearing organisms.

1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions, Sections 4, 5, and 6, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.