Cleaning a Fume Cupboard: Best Practices and Tips

Ensuring the cleanliness of a fume cupboard is non-negotiable for lab safety and accurate results. Whether you're in a professional research facility or a school science lab, this task, also known as fume hood cleaning, demands meticulous attention and adherence to best practices.

This article is your comprehensive guide to cleaning a fume cupboard, covering everything from pre-cleaning safety checks to final waste disposal, tailored specifically for UK practices and regulations.

We are Holliday Technical Services, a UK specialist fume cupboard service company based in West Yorkshire offering full fume cupboard testing, maintenance, parts and repairs for all mainland UK laboratories, education and industry.

I have been prompted to write this article following conversations about cleaning a fume cupboard with a few existing research laboratories that we provide fume cupboard testing and maintenance services for.

It is a question that is asked quite frequently, so in 2024, what do I recommend.

Cleaning a Fume Cupboard - Pre-Cleaning Preparations

Safety Guidelines

Prior to cleaning, prioritise your safety:

• Consult Resources: Refer to your institution's fume hood safety protocols and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any chemicals used within the hood.
• Don the Right Gear: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, throughout the cleaning process.

Clearing the Work Area

Prepare the fume cupboard for a thorough cleaning:

• Remove Everything: Clear out all equipment, chemicals, and materials from the interior.
• Store Safely: Place items in designated storage areas, with hazardous materials correctly labelled and disposed of following your facility's guidelines.
• Optimise Airflow: Ensure nothing obstructs the fume cupboard's airflow, as this can hinder its effectiveness.

Detailed Cleaning Procedures

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Follow this routine for regular maintenance:

• Test Airflow: Perform the sash test as outlined in your lab's safety protocols.
• Clean Interior: Using a non-abrasive cloth and lab-approved cleaning solution, wipe all interior surfaces, including the sash, work surface, baffles, and light fixture.
• Clean Exterior: Don't forget to clean the exterior sash and control panel.
• Dispose Properly: Dispose of used cleaning materials and contaminated waste according to your lab's protocols.

Monthly Deep Cleaning Routine

For more thorough fume cupboard cleaning:

• Repeat Weekly Steps: Start with the weekly cleaning routine.
• Focus on Baffles and Filters: Clean these components according to your fume hood manual. Some may be removable for easier cleaning.
• Special Decontamination: If your fume hood has been exposed to hazardous chemicals, follow your lab's specific decontamination procedures.

Special Cleaning for Specific Contaminants

• Assess Risks: Determine decontamination frequency based on the nature of your work and the chemicals used.
• Use Appropriate Methods: Choose suitable cleaning agents or methods like steam cleaning or UV irradiation.
• Prioritise Safety: Ensure trained personnel wearing appropriate PPE perform the cleaning.

Cleaning a Fume Cupboard - Post-Cleaning Actions

Proper Disposal of Waste

Comply with UK regulations:

• Non-Hazardous Solids: Dispose of in clearly labelled solid non-recycling waste bins.
• Water-Soluble, Non-Hazardous Chemicals: Small amounts can be safely poured down the drain.
• Hazardous Chemicals: Collect and dispose of through a Licensed Waste Carrier.
• Biological/Microbiological Waste: Compost plant materials or sterilise before disposal.

Storing Equipment Safely

• Return Everything: Put all equipment and chemicals back in their designated storage areas.
• Close the Sash: Always close the fume cupboard's sash when not in use.

Best Practices and Common Mistakes

Do's:

• Always Use When On: Start your work only when the fume cupboard is running.
• Position Correctly: Work at least 6 inches back from the sash opening.
• Wear PPE: Lab coats, gloves, and eye protection are mandatory.
• Train Staff: Ensure everyone using the fume cupboard is properly trained.
• Monitor Airflow: Regularly check the airflow indicator and keep baffles and exhaust slots clear.

Don'ts:

• Store Items Inside: This disrupts airflow and reduces the fume cupboard's efficiency.
• Use Harsh Chemicals: Stick to lab-approved cleaners.

Need Assistance? Contact Holliday Technical Services

For expert cleaning of fume cupboard and maintenance in the UK, reach out to Holliday Technical Services. We specialise in ensuring your lab equipment is safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations.

FAQs

1. How should a fume cupboard be cleaned?

To clean a fume cupboard, start by wiping the outer surfaces with a mild disinfectant cleaner. Then, clean the inner cabinet and base using a chemical neutralising solution. Make sure to clean the sealant around drip cups, sinks, and waste areas. Finally, use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean any glass components.

2. What are the key guidelines for using fume hoods effectively?

When using fume hoods, remember to follow these practices:

• Always conduct work and keep all apparatus at least 6 inches back from the face of the hood.
• Keep the hood sash closed as much as possible to ensure safety.
• Ensure that the hood slots and baffles remain free from obstruction by apparatus or containers.
• Avoid permanently storing apparatus or chemicals in the hood.

3. How frequently should a fume hood be cleaned?

The cleaning frequency of a fume hood depends on its use and the chemicals involved. Typical ducted fume hoods used regularly with low-risk chemicals might only need a deep clean every few months. However, specialised fume hoods used for dangerous or varied processes should be cleaned after every use.

4. What is the procedure for sterilising a fume hood?

To sterilise a fume hood, first clean the interior, exterior surfaces, and sash periodically, especially after any spills, using deionised water. Follow this by wiping down these areas with a soap solution and then rinse them. It is crucial that personnel wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during cleaning to safeguard against chemical exposure.

References

Health and Safety Executive (HSE): The UK's national regulator for workplace health and safety. They provide comprehensive guidance on COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations, fume cupboard safety, and risk assessments.

Website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/

CLEAPSS: A UK-based advisory service providing support for science and technology in schools and colleges. They offer resources on safe practical work, including fume cupboard use and cleaning.

Website: https://science.cleapss.org.uk/

The National Measurement Laboratory (NML): Part of LGC, the UK's National Measurement Institute. They provide expertise and guidance on measurement and testing, including the calibration and testing of fume cupboards.

Website: https://www.lgcgroup.com/uk-national-measurement-laboratory/

British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS): A professional body for occupational hygienists in the UK. They offer information and resources on workplace hazards, including chemical exposure and control measures.

Website: https://www.bohs.org/

Safety Data Sheets (SDS): These documents provide detailed information on the hazards of specific chemicals, including safe handling, storage, and disposal instructions. Always consult the SDS for any chemical used in your fume cupboard.

Contact HTS

At HTS we offer full fume cupboard services to all UK businesses, education and laboratories. Our technicians cover the whole of the UK providing timely fume cupboard testing. Consider reaching out to us about our specialist services or visit our website to read testimonials from UK clients. HTS can also supply new and used/refurbished fume extracted equipment including fume cupboards, laminar flow cabinets, biosafety cabinets, vented enclosures, extraction arms, ducting and replacement parts for fume cupboards such as filters (carbon activated, ULPA and HEPA), replacement fans, LED lights, airflow monitoring and much more. Our sister company Holliday Fielding Hocking Ltd have been supplying laboratories for over 50 years, and we look forward to helping you ensure full compliance with UK regulations and a safe and productive working environment.