Fume Cupboard Testing In Universities

Several critical factors influence the ability of a fume cupboard to safely contain and remove hazardous substances, ensuring the protection of personnel and the integrity of research within universities and higher education institutions:

• Face Velocity: The speed at which air is drawn into the fume cupboard is paramount. Regulations typically mandate a minimum face velocity to ensure adequate capture of contaminants. Regular testing verifies this is maintained.

• Sash Position: The fume cupboard sash acts as a barrier. It should be kept at the designated working height to optimise airflow and containment.

• Airflow Patterns: Disruptions within the fume cupboard, such as large equipment or rapid movements, can create turbulence and compromise containment. Proper training in fume cupboard use is essential.

• Room Ventilation: The lab itself must have sufficient ventilation to provide replacement air for the fume cupboard. Inadequate room ventilation can negatively impact fume cupboard performance.

• External Influences: Factors like open windows, doorways, or high-traffic areas near the fume cupboard can disrupt airflow patterns and reduce its effectiveness.

• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including filter replacement and airflow monitoring, is crucial to ensure the fume cupboard continues to function as designed.

Holliday Technical Services specialises in fume cupboard testing and maintenance for universities. We can help you assess these factors and ensure your fume cupboards provide the necessary level of protection. 

Fume cupboards in UK universities must adhere to several key standards to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance with regulations:

• BS EN 14175: This British and European Standard provides comprehensive guidelines for the design, construction, installation, and performance testing of ducted fume cupboards.
• COSHH Regulations (2002): The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations mandate the control of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace, including the use of fume cupboards.
• HSG 258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV) This Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publication offers specific technical guidance on the design, commissioning, and thorough examination and testing of LEV systems, including fume cupboards.
• University-Specific Policies: Many universities establish their own internal fume cupboard standards, policies, and operating procedures in addition to national regulations.

Holliday Technical Services specialises in fume cupboard testing for universities. We rigorously follow these standards to ensure your fume cupboards maintain optimal performance and provide a safe environment for research and teaching. Each year we test thousands of fume cupboards, laminar flow cabinets, biological safety cabinets, vented enclosures, laboratory extraction arms and other local exhaust ventilated (LEV) equipment. Speak to HTS about the services we offer to universities in the UK including annual fume cupboard testing, CAT3 bi-annual testing, fumigation services, ducting repair, commissioning new equipment, purchase of new fume cupboards, refurbished fume cupboards, removal of redundant systems and replacement of parts including centrifugal fans, motors, inverters and filters (Carbon Activated, HEPA and ULPA).

While fume cupboards are essential safety tools in research laboratories, their use presents certain risks that must be understood and mitigated to protect personnel and ensure the integrity of experiments. Here's an overview:

• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: If a fume cupboard malfunctions or is used improperly, researchers may be exposed to:
  • Toxic fumes and vapours
  • Aerosols or airborne particles
  • Flammable or reactive chemicals
• Fire and Explosion Hazards: Certain experiments may generate flammable vapours or reactive chemicals that could ignite or explode within a malfunctioning fume cupboard, particularly if the ventilation system fails to remove them effectively.
• Physical Hazards: The fume cupboard sash, if not made of safety glass, can pose a risk of shattering in the event of an uncontrolled reaction, potentially leading to injuries.
• Environmental Contamination: Inadequate filtration or accidental release of hazardous substances from a fume cupboard can contaminate the laboratory environment and potentially the broader external environment.

Risk Mitigation: Universities must implement rigorous measures to minimise these risks, including:

• Regular Testing and Maintenance: Thorough examination and testing of fume cupboards, as mandated by regulations, ensures they function correctly.
• User Training: Comprehensive training in fume cupboard operation and safety protocols is essential for all laboratory personnel.
• Appropriate PPE: Lab coats, safety glasses, and specialised gloves (depending on the chemicals used) are necessary even when using a fume cupboard.
• Hazard Assessment: Careful risk assessment must precede any experiment involving potentially hazardous substances within a fume cupboard.

Holliday Technical Services can assist your university in maintaining fume cupboard safety through testing, maintenance, and parts replacement. Our group works with universities on an ad-hoc basis, annual contracts or longer tendered contracts. Our engineers are highly trained and are used to working on campus across the UK and our back office systems have been established to make testing data easier to manage on larger campus including centralised asset registers and client portals for the storage of test data. Speak to us about your university fume cupboard and other LEV testing needs.

Here's a quick checklist covering the basics. Always prioritise safety by performing these checks before each use of a fume hood:

1. Training Verification: Ensure you and any assisting personnel have received comprehensive fume hood safety training as mandated by your university.
2. Chemical Hazard Assessment: Thoroughly understand the specific hazards of the chemicals involved in your experiment and any potential reactions. Consult relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
3. Airflow Check: Verify that the fume hood is switched on and the airflow gauge indicates proper function. If airflow is inadequate, do not proceed and report the issue to your department lead, university estates or occupational health /biosafety unit.
4. Sash Position: Adjust the sash to the designated working height, ensuring optimal containment and protection.
5. Interior Setup: Minimise clutter within the fume hood, as large equipment or obstructions can disrupt airflow. Work at least 15cm (6 inches) back from the sash opening.
6. PPE: Don your lab coat, safety glasses, and appropriate chemical-resistant gloves.
7. External Factors: Be aware of open windows, high-traffic areas, or other sources of air disturbance near the fume hood that could compromise its effectiveness.

Important Note: If you ever observe a malfunction or have any safety concerns, do not use the fume hood. Report the issue to your laboratory supervisor or designated safety personnel immediately. Holliday Technical Services are a specialist fume cupboard servicing company providing fume cupboard testing, maintenance and support to universities in the UK. We are very proud of our association with some of the top educators and research laboratories in the UK and offer expert support to ensure laboratory safety and to minimise research downtime.