Fume Cupboard Testing

Fume cupboard testing plays a crucial role in safeguarding laboratory personnel and upholding safety regulations. These specialised enclosures are designed to control and contain hazardous fumes, vapours, and gases, and regular testing is essential to ensure they function optimally.

A Comprehensive Evaluation:

Testing encompasses various measures to assess crucial performance indicators:

• Airflow: Evaluating the rate and consistency of air drawn into the fume cupboard, ensuring effective capture of contaminants.
• Containment Efficiency: Quantifying the ability of the fume cupboard to prevent hazardous substances from escaping into the laboratory environment.
• Gas Escape: Identifying any potential leaks or breaches in the system that could compromise containment.
• Robustness: Assessing the structural integrity and functionality of the fume cupboard under various operating conditions.

Beyond Legal Compliance:

While mandated by regulations like COSHH in the UK, regular testing extends beyond mere compliance. It provides:

• Peace of Mind: Verifying the safety and effectiveness of fume cupboards, protecting personnel from harmful exposure.
• Confidence in Research: Ensuring accurate and reliable results by minimising contamination risks.
• Cost Savings: Early detection of potential issues prevents costly repairs and downtime.
• Regulatory Adherence: Staying compliant with relevant safety standards and avoiding potential penalties.

By partnering with qualified professionals like HTS for regular fume cupboard testing, laboratories can prioritise safety, optimise research integrity, and achieve cost-effective compliance.

Fume cupboard testing is not just a regulatory requirement, it's an essential investment in the safety, performance, and overall well-being of your laboratory. Here's why:

1. Prioritising Personnel Safety:

• Fume cupboards are your front line of defence against hazardous fumes, vapours, and gases. Regular testing ensures they function optimally, protecting personnel from harmful exposure and minimising health risks.

2. Ensuring Compliance and Confidence:

• Testing upholds compliance with strict standards like BS EN 14175, demonstrating a commitment to safe working environments and avoiding potential penalties. This instills confidence in both regulatory bodies and your workforce.

3. Optimising Equipment Performance:

• Testing goes beyond compliance, providing valuable insights into airflow, containment efficiency, and overall robustness. This ensures your fume cupboards operate at peak performance, delivering reliable results and minimising operational issues.

4. Proactive Risk Management:

• Early detection of problems through testing allows for timely interventions. This prevents costly repairs, downtime, and potentially dangerous accidents or leaks that could impact personnel, the lab, or the environment.

5. Validating Design and Installation:

• Testing confirms that your fume cupboards are properly designed, installed, and equipped, providing the intended level of protection. This guarantees the effectiveness of your ventilation system and the safety of everyone within the lab.

6. Enhancing Quality Assurance:

• When done by a reputable and accredited testing provider like HTS, you gain the assurance that your fume cupboards have undergone thorough evaluations and meet industry-recognised standards. This fosters trust and peace of mind for lab owners, operators, and personnel alike.

Investing in regular fume cupboard testing is not just an obligation, it's a wise decision that safeguards your people, your processes, and your reputation.

At HTS, we are committed to exceeding industry standards and ensuring the utmost safety and performance of your fume cupboards. That's why our fume cupboard testing adheres to the most rigorous and recognised criteria, encompassing:

British Standard BS EN 14175: This is the gold standard for fume cupboard testing in Europe, and adherence to it signifies a comprehensive evaluation meeting strict performance and safety requirements. Whether you have ducted, filtered, recirculating, or walk-in fume cupboards, we employ the specific BS EN 14175 criteria applicable to your equipment.

Additional Relevant Standards: We are proficient in conducting tests based on specific needs and equipment types, including:

• Schools Fume Cupboards (G9 / BB:88): Ensuring safety in educational settings
• Filtered Fume Cupboards (BS 7989:2001): Verifying the performance of filter-based systems
• Mobile Fume Cupboard (Various Standards): Adhering to appropriate standards for portable units
• COSHH Testing (HSG258): Assessing compliance with UK regulations on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
• LEV Testing (HSG258): Evaluating Local Exhaust Ventilation systems for optimal performance
• Thorough LEV Testing (HSG258): Conducting in-depth assessments for complex systems
• Extraction Hood Testing (HSG258): Ensuring effective capture of contaminants at the source
• Containment Testing (BS EN 14175): Measuring the ability of your fume cupboard to prevent hazardous substances from escaping
• Commissioning / Re-Commissioning (Various Standards): Verifying proper installation and functionality after installation or updates

Beyond just meeting standards, we also conduct thorough in-house training and assessments for our engineers. This ensures they possess the expertise and qualifications to deliver exceptional service tailored to your specific needs.

By choosing HTS for your fume cupboard testing, you gain the peace of mind of industry-leading expertise, adherence to the highest standards, and a commitment to your laboratory's safety and efficiency.

Yes, HTS has the expertise and equipment to test almost any make and model of fume cupboard. Our testing procedures meticulously follow the recognised European standard BS EN 14175, ensuring comprehensive evaluation regardless of manufacturer or model.

Why Choose HTS for Your Fume Cupboard Testing?

• Universal Compatibility: We possess the experience and tools to handle diverse makes and models, ensuring seamless testing for your specific equipment.
• Rigorous Standards: Our tests adhere to the strict criteria of BS EN 14175, guaranteeing thorough assessment of performance and containment, exceeding recommended standards.
• On-Site Convenience: For your comfort, we offer onsite testing throughout the UK, minimising disruption to your laboratory operations.
• Unmatched Expertise: Our team of highly trained and qualified engineers provides exceptional service and insightful reports, giving you complete confidence in the results.

More Than Just Make and Model:

Beyond our ability to test various makes and models, HTS offers several additional advantages:

• Bespoke Testing: We cater to unique needs, offering customised testing and reporting protocols beyond standard procedures.
• Comprehensive Services: We go beyond testing, providing maintenance, commissioning, and new fume cupboard consultation, serving as your one-stop shop.
• Industry Accolades: Our commitment to quality is recognised by accreditations like SafeContractor and BSI, reinforcing our expertise and reliability.

Contact HTS Today:

Don't let the make and model of your fume cupboards be a concern. Trust HTS for comprehensive, professional, and convenient testing across the UK. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and experience the peace of mind that comes with expert fume cupboard testing.