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.

Regular testing is essential to ensure the safe operation of your fume cupboard. This typically includes a series of tests:

• Face velocity tests: Measuring the speed of air entering the hood to verify it's capturing fumes effectively.
• Smoke visualisation tests: Using smoke to visually confirm that the hood contains fumes and prevents them from escaping into the lab.
• Alarm function checks: Testing the hood's alarm system to ensure it alerts users to any malfunctions or unsafe conditions.

Holliday Technical Services (HTS) offers comprehensive fume cupboard testing services, employing qualified technicians who meticulously perform these tests. Their detailed reports provide valuable insights into your hood's performance and highlight any areas needing attention, ensuring your equipment meets or exceeds safety standards.

Simple tests like checking airflow indicators, alarms, and inspecting for visible damage can be done before each use. However, for a thorough assessment of your fume hood's performance, it's crucial to rely on professional testing.

HTS technicians have the expertise and specialised equipment to conduct a full range of tests, including containment testing, air velocity profiling, and alarm calibration.

Calibration involves adjusting the fume hood's controls to maintain optimal face velocity, ensuring effective containment. This process is typically performed by qualified technicians during annual testing and may involve adjusting the hood's exhaust system.

HTS technicians are well-versed in fume hood calibration and can help optimise your hood's performance for maximum safety and efficiency.

HTS emphasises the following safety measures:

• Always wear appropriate PPE: This may include lab coats, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators, depending on the specific chemicals being handled.
• Work at least 15cm inside the hood: This ensures that fumes are captured effectively and minimises the risk of exposure.
• Keep the sash at the recommended height: The sash height is crucial for maintaining proper airflow and containment.
• Avoid storing chemicals or equipment in the hood: This can disrupt airflow and compromise the hood's performance.

Holliday Technical Services offers all laboratories, educational institutions and industry full fume cupboard testing and maintenance services. Trust HTS to take care of annual or ad-hoc fume cupboard testing.

HTS recommends a thorough pre-use check that includes:

• Airflow indicator: Ensure the airflow is within the safe operating range.
• Alarms: Verify that the hood's alarms are functioning correctly.
• Visual inspection: Check for any visible damage, obstructions, or spills.
• Chemical compatibility: Review the safety data sheets for the chemicals you'll be using and ensure the hood is suitable for their specific hazards.

HTS specialise in fume cupboard testing in the UK. Contact us for ad-hoc or scheduled fume cupboard maintenance and fume hood testing.

HTS promotes best practices to maximise safety and efficiency:

• Minimise chemical use: Use the smallest amount of chemicals necessary for your experiments.
• Keep work areas tidy: Avoid clutter, as this can disrupt airflow and make spills more difficult to contain.
• Never block vents: Ensure that the hood's vents are clear of obstructions.
• Clean spills promptly: Address spills immediately to prevent the spread of contamination.
• Work with the sash at the lowest safe height: This maximises containment while still allowing for comfortable operation.

As fume cupboard testing and maintenance specialists Holliday Technical Services offer a comprehensive range of fume cupboard services including fume cupboard maintenance, fume cupboard repair, fume cupboard commissioning and a range of replacement fume cupboard parts including fume cupboard filters, airflow monitoring and replacement fume hood fans. Contact HTS for all of your fume cupboard servicing needs.

The three key things to check are:

1. Airflow indicator: Is the airflow within the safe operating range?
2. Alarms: Are the alarms functioning properly?
3. Visible condition: Is there any visible damage or obstruction to the hood?

HTS are UK Based fume cupboard testing specialists, contact us about your fume hood testing needs.

Some essential rules for safe fume hood operation include:

• Keep the sash at the recommended height.
• Work at least 15cm inside the hood.
• Avoid storing chemicals or equipment in the hood.
• Always wear appropriate PPE.
• Never block vents.
• Clean spills promptly.

Remember, all fume cupboards need to be tested at least every 14 months, or sooner as determined by use. Consider reaching out to Holliday Technical Services for your fume cupboard testing.

Fume cupboards protect users from inhaling hazardous fumes, vapours, and dust generated during experiments. They provide a controlled environment, venting harmful substances away from the work area and minimising the risk of exposure.

HTS understands the importance of this protection and provides expert testing and maintenance to ensure your fume cupboard functions optimally. 

Before using a fume cupboard, ensure:

• Airflow: The airflow indicator is in the safe operating range.
• Alarms: The audible and visual alarms are functioning correctly.
• No damage or obstructions: The hood is free of visible damage, spills, or obstructions.
• Sash height: The sash is at the correct operating height.
• Chemical compatibility: The hood is suitable for the specific chemicals you will be working with.

HTS can provide full servicing for fume cupboards and support to help you understand these safety checks and ensure your fume cupboard is operating safely.

The specific PPE required will vary depending on the chemicals being used. However, some general guidelines include:

• • Lab coat: To protect your clothing from chemical spills.
  • Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from splashes and fumes.
  • Gloves: To protect your hands from chemicals.
  • Respirator: May be necessary for certain hazardous substances.

HTS can help you comply with your obligations under COSHH and offer full fume cupboard testing for UK laboratories, schools, colleges, universities and industry.

Before each use, check:

• Airflow indicator: Ensure the airflow is within the safe operating range.
• Alarms: Verify that the audible and visual alarms are functioning correctly.
• Sash: Ensure the sash is at the correct operating height.
• Obstructions: Check that there are no obstructions in the hood.
• Spills: Clean up any spills before starting work.

HTS are UK based fume cupboard servicing specialists, contact us for a quotation on your fume cupboard testing, maintenance or repairs.

To ensure safety, avoid the following:

• Block vents: Keep vents clear of obstructions.
• Store chemicals or equipment: Avoid storing chemicals or equipment in the hood.
• Put your head inside: Never put your head inside the hood.
• Work with incompatible chemicals: Avoid working with incompatible chemicals at the same time.
• Leave the sash fully open: Keep the sash at the lowest safe height.

If you are looking for fume cupboard testing in the UK, consider reaching out to Holliday Technical Services. We have been supplying UK laboratories, universities, schools and industry with a range of fume cupboard testing services for over 18 years. We also offer a direct route to purchase new fume hoods and used fume cupboards via our sister company Holliday Fielding Hocking Ltd, a fume cupboard specialist that has been serving the UK for over 5 generations.

Experiments involving hazardous substances should always be conducted in a fume cupboard to:

• Protect personnel: Fume cupboards safeguard users from inhaling harmful fumes, vapours, or dust.
• Contain spills: They help contain spills and reactions, preventing the spread of contamination.
• Control exposure: They provide a controlled environment for handling hazardous materials.

HTS recognises the importance of fume cupboards in protecting laboratory personnel and can advise on the appropriate type of fume cupboard for your specific experiments.

Electrolysis can produce flammable gases like hydrogen and oxygen. A fume cupboard provides the necessary ventilation and containment to prevent the accumulation of these gases, reducing the risk of fire or explosion.

Fume cupboards should not be used for:

• Storing chemicals or equipment: This can disrupt airflow and compromise containment.
• Handling highly explosive substances: Special explosion-proof hoods are required for such materials.
• Experiments that generate excessive heat: Excessive heat can damage the hood and compromise its performance.

HTS are UK fume cupboard testing specialists. Contact us for a quotation for your annual service of your fume cupboards, biological safety cabinets and other Local Exhaust Ventilated equipment.

Fume hoods are designed to handle a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These include solvents, paints, and adhesives.
• Acids and bases: These corrosive substances can release harmful fumes.
• Reactive substances: These chemicals can react with other substances to produce hazardous by-products.

HTS can assess your specific chemical usage and recommend the appropriate type of fume cupboard for your needs. We offer a vast range of new ducted fume cupboards, ductless filtered fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, class II biological safety cabinets, vented enclosures, downflow workstations and much more. Visit https://www.labfumecupboards.com to explore our full range.

For annual fume cupboard testing, repairs or removal of redundant fume cupboards contact HTS.

Proper operation is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your fume hood.

Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the exhaust fan: Start the exhaust fan and allow it to run for a few minutes before beginning work.
2. Check airflow: Verify that the airflow indicator shows the correct reading, indicating proper ventilation. HTS technicians can ensure your hood's airflow monitor is functioning properly.
3. Lower the sash: Lower the sash to the recommended working height. This is usually indicated by markings on the hood.
4. Place materials inside: Place your materials and equipment at least 15cm inside the hood to ensure adequate containment.
5. Work safely: Perform your experiment, following all safety protocols.
6. Raise the sash: After completing your work, raise the sash to its fully closed position.
7. Turn off the fan (if applicable): Some fume hoods have automatic fans that turn off after a certain period of inactivity.
8. Clean up: Wipe down all surfaces and remove any spills or debris.

Holliday Technical Services can provide comprehensive fume cupboard testing and maintenance to ensure your fume cupboards are operating safely and efficiently and comply with UK legislation on annual fume cupboard testing. Our technicians are highly trained, hold current Enhanced DBS checks and provide fume cupboard testing throughout the UK from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal fume cupboard performance and longevity.

Here are some key maintenance tasks:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the interior and exterior surfaces of the fume hood using appropriate cleaning solutions. HTS can recommend cleaning products and procedures that are safe and effective for your specific hood model.
• Inspection: Inspect the hood for any signs of damage, leaks, or wear and tear.
• Filter replacement: If your hood has filters, replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations or when they become saturated. HTS offers filter replacement services to ensure your fume hood operates efficiently.
• Professional maintenance: Schedule annual professional maintenance and testing with HTS to ensure your fume hood meets regulatory standards and operates at peak performance.

If your fume hood malfunctions or the airflow indicator shows an abnormal reading, take the following steps:

• Stop work immediately: Cease all activities in the fume hood.
• Inform your supervisor or safety officer: Report the issue to the relevant personnel.
• Do not use the fume hood: Avoid using the fume hood until it has been inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.

HTS offers prompt repair services for fume cupboards throughout the UK, to minimise downtime and ensure your fume cupboard(s) are back in operation as quickly as possible.

Avoid storing chemicals or equipment in the fume hood, as this can disrupt airflow and compromise containment. Additionally, do not use the fume hood for experiments that generate excessive heat or involve highly explosive substances.

Experiments involving radioactive materials, perchloric acid, or those generating excessive heat or large quantities of flammable gases may not be suitable for standard fume hoods.

Special fume hoods with additional safety features are required for such applications. HTS can help you determine the appropriate type of fume cupboard for your specific needs.

Fume cupboards work by capturing and exhausting hazardous fumes, vapours, or dust through a ventilation system. The airflow creates a barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the work area. This negative pressure environment draws air (and contaminants) in through the opening and exhausts it through a filter or duct system, ensuring a safe working environment.

HTS understands these principles and applies them to their rigorous testing and maintenance procedures. We offer a wide range of fume cupboard services including fume cupboard testing, fume cupboard repair and replacement fume cupboard parts including fume cupboard filters for laboratories, schools, universities and industry in the UK.

The primary functions of a fume cupboard are:

1. To protect personnel: By capturing and removing harmful fumes, vapours, and dust, fume cupboards safeguard users from exposure to hazardous substances.
2. To contain spills and prevent contamination: Fume cupboards provide a controlled environment, minimising the risk of spills and preventing the spread of contamination in the lab.

HTS are fume cupboard maintenance and testing specialists based in the UK and provide onsite services to laboratories, schools, universities and industry. Trust HTS for your fume cupboard servicing, contact us for a quotation. 

If not properly maintained or used incorrectly, fume cupboards can become a source of exposure to hazardous substances. Leaks, inadequate airflow, or improper use can compromise their effectiveness.

HTS mitigates these risks through regular testing, maintenance, and user training, contact us to learn more.

The fume cupboard operates on the principle of creating a negative pressure environment within the hood. This is achieved by a fan that draws air into the hood through the front opening, creating a barrier that prevents fumes from escaping into the lab.

The contaminated air is then exhausted through a filtration or duct system, ensuring a safe working environment for users.

Holliday Technical Services leverages this principle when testing and calibrating fume cupboards, ensuring the negative pressure is sufficient to contain hazardous substances effectively. Reach out to HTS about your fume cupboard testing. Supplying UK laboratories, education and industry for over 18 years.

The relevant British Standard for fume cupboards is BS EN 14175. This comprehensive standard outlines requirements for the design, construction, performance, and testing of fume cupboards. It covers aspects like face velocity, containment, materials of construction, and alarm systems.

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

HTS technicians are well-versed in these standard and ensure that your fume cupboard complies with all its requirements. HTS technicians have undertaken P600/P601 training, which covers the theory and practice for LEV practitioners to undertake the maintenance, examinations and testing of LEV plant equipment, asbestos awareness, in-house training and we are members of: Bsi, Reset, Constructionline and SafeContractor.

Regular inspections are crucial for maintaining fume cupboard safety and performance. HTS recommends the following inspection schedule:

• Before each use: Conduct a brief visual inspection to ensure the fume hood is in good working order, checking the airflow indicator, alarms, and for any visible damage.
• Annually: Schedule a comprehensive professional inspection and testing with HTS. Our technicians will perform a thorough assessment of your fume cupboard, ensuring it meets regulatory standards and identifying any potential issues.

Whether or not you need a respirator while working in a fume hood depends on the specific chemicals being handled. Some substances, even when used in a fume hood, may require respiratory protection due to their volatility or toxicity. Always consult the chemical safety data sheet (SDS) and risk assessment for guidance on the appropriate PPE, including respirators.

HTS can assist you in conducting risk assessments and selecting the appropriate PPE for your specific work environment.