Fume Hoods: Use, Inspection and Maintenance

Fume hoods are a primary method of exposure control in the laboratory. A fume hood is a ventilated enclosure that usually vents separately from the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and not recirculated into the building. Fume hoods should be used when working with toxic compounds or compounds with a boiling point below 120°C. Fume hoods, or other effective local ventilation, must be provided and used when the materials used will exceed exposure limits in the laboratory.

Standards for determining permissible exposure limits include:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limits (OSHA PELs)
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Recommended Exposure Limits (NIOSH RELs)
  • American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit values (ACGIH TLVs®)
  • American Industrial Hygiene Association Workplace Environmental Exposure Limits (AIHA WEELs)

Types of fume hoods

Types of fume hoods at the University include chemical, radioisotope and perchloric acid hoods, with various airflow controls. Fume hood controls include constant air volume (CAV), variable air volume (VAV) and two-state (two speed) control. A number of older wood fume hoods and fume “cupboards” are still maintained. The hoods will display a label that identifies what type of ventilation control is employed:

constant speed fume hood sticker

variable speed fume hood sticker

2 speed fume hood sticker

 

Fume hoods are categorized into one of two groups: 1) standard flow, and 2) low flow.  Standard flow fume hoods are designed to operate at 100 linear feet per minute (LFM) at 18 inches sash height. (Note that some legacy hoods were designed to operate at 100 LFM at full sash height, as high as 25 inches). Low flow fume hoods are designed to operate at 70 LFM at 18 inches sash height.

How to use a fume hood

The fume hood can provide adequate protection for most laboratory processes if it is used correctly. 

The fume hood must be operated with the sash no higher than the red arrow.

maximum sash height indicator sticker

Detailed instructions for use of the fume hood can be found in the Lab Safety Manual.

Fume hood testing and inspection

EH&S performs a functional performance test to assure hoods perform as required about every 18 months. The performance test typically includes an evaluation of the face velocity, the sound, containment, monitor performance and the tracking ability of a VAV (when applicable). EH&S may also note any observed problem with controls, sash, baffles, plumbing, light or corrosion.

Fume hoods tested by EH&S will have a label that records its inspection history:

FH inspection label

The following definitions are used by EH&S to track the operational status of fume hoods.

If a hood fails an inspection, it may need to be taken out of service until repaired. EH&S will notify the researchers and post a “Do Not Use” sign if repair is required. When UW Facilities has completed repairs, EH&S will retest the hood and put it back in service.

What you need to know

Use your fume hood, or other engineering controls, rather than the benchtop when there is a possibility of overexposure to air contaminants generated by a laboratory activity.

In the event of lab move out and some services/repairs, lab personnel and researchers are responsible for decontamination of their fume hoods. Complete and post this form when performing fume hood decontamination (UW Form 1803: Notice of Laboratory Equipment Decontamination).

Be aware of ventilation system shutdowns and do not use the hood when the ventilation system serving the room is shut down.

Fume hood alarms

Most fume hoods are equipped with monitors that will generate an audible and, in some cases, a visible alarm when the airflow drops to approximately 80% of the design velocity. The following guidelines should be followed if your alarm activates:

  • Be certain you are operating the hood at or below the sash arrows. If the alarm persists, close the sash and wait a moment and then reopen the sash to your working height.
  • If the alarm continues, stop using the hood, close the sash and contact EH&S.

Services available

  • Routine performance testing in accordance with ANSI Z9.5
  • Commission new hoods following procurement and associated with new construction and renovation
  • Consult on setup and use of fume hoods
  • Troubleshoot fumehood performance issues with UW Facilities 
  • Perform design review for new and renovated facilities
  • Maintain a list of approved fumehoods for UW procurement and use

If you are having problems with your fume hood, contact EH&S at 206.543.9510. We will troubleshoot the problem and we may refer it to UW Facilities for repair.

Repair and maintenance of the hoods is performed by UW Facilities.

Purchasing a fume hood

EH&S is required to help assure that the appropriate hood is selected and that the building's infrastructure can support the installation. Installing and replacing a fume hood may require design and planning, asbestos abatement, decontamination and work beyond simply installing the hood. An evaluation by a mechanical engineer (or other qualified party) and a design is often needed before procurement is authorized.

Hoods must be selected from the approved list below:

Manufacturer

Conventional Flow

Face Velocity (100 fpm)

Low Flow

Face Velocity (70 fpm

KEWAUNEE SCIENTIFIC CORP

www.kewaunee.com

Supreme Air®

Supreme Air VENTURI®

LABCONCO

www.labconco.com

“Protector” models

XStream®

MOTT MANUFACTURING

www.mott.ca

Sigma Pro®

SafeguardTM

If you have any questions about selecting or purchasing a fume hood, please contact John Kelly at 206.616.3722 or jek@uw.edu.

Design information

EH&S design guides and specifications are found on the Facilities Project Support page.

 

Frequently asked questions

More Information

Contact

Fume Hood Program Contact

(206) 543-9510
Reference Files