Laboratory Fume Hoods
California State University
Fresno
In accordance with Title 8 CCR Section 5154.1,
Ventilation Requirements for Laboratory-Type Hood Operations.
CSU Fresno, Environmental Health & Safety
(559) 278 - 7422
Introduction
Purpose of a Laboratory Fume Hood

Laboratory Fume
Hoods help
prevent exposure
to fumes, vapors
and particulate
matter from
hazardous
substances.
Introduction
Functions of a Laboratory Fume Hood

Fume hoods
draw airflow
inward, away
from the
worker.
Operator Qualifications
Training Requirements

To operate a fume hood, one
must be trained to:




Use the hood properly and
safely.
Determine last performance test,
and if requirements are met.
Understand the general hood
purpose, airflow characteristics,
and potential for turbulent airflow
and escape of hazardous
substances from the hood.
Know where the quantitative
airflow monitor or alarm system
is located on the hood and how it
is used to indicate an inward
airflow during hood operation
8 CCR 5154.1(f)(3)
Pre-Use Inspection
Overview

Check for last inspection date by EHS.



Postings or signs should be present when a fume
hood is out of order and EHS is aware. If you
suspect your hood is not working contact EHS
immediately at 278-7422.
Check quantitative airflow monitoring device
to ensure hood is working properly.
Use qualitative methods to ensure air is
flowing in the proper direction.
Pre-Use Inspection
Determining last inspection

Each fume hood must have
inspection record indicating:





Last date of inspection.
Initials of the last inspector
of the device.
Whether the device passed
or failed inspection.
This data sheet is normally
attached to the fume hood.
Units that fail an inspection
are tagged with a “Do Not
Use” sign with a date the
unit was taken out of
service.

Units must be re-inspected:



Annually.
After any repair.
Following any addition of large
equipment to the unit.
Pre-Use Inspection
Quantitative Monitoring Devices



A hood user must quantitatively identify whether their fume hood
is working properly. The method must measure an exact or
approximate rate of inward airflow.
Acceptable devices to determine quantitative airflow include:
 Inclined Manometers
 Diaphragm Pressure Gauges
 Vane Gauges
 An Airflow Alarm System is also acceptable, granted that the
“system provides an audible or visual alarm when the airflow
decreases to less than 80% of the airflow required by subsection”
8 CCR 5154.1(e)(3)(A)
All values indicated on the device should be
no less then those indicated on the certified
“safe level” indicated by the label on the fume
hood.
Pre-Use Inspection
Examples of Quantitative Monitoring Devices

Inclined Manometer

This device is very
common on
campus.

Vaneometer

Rare on
campus, but
acceptable.

Diaphragm
Pressure Gauge

Rare on
campus, but
acceptable.
Pre-Use Inspection
Examples of Quantitative Monitoring Devices
Fume Hood Alarm Device

Alerts the user if there is
inadequate inward airflow



Visually
Audibly
These units should have a
visual aid of some sort
indicating that the unit is
functioning and is safe to
use.
Pre-Use Inspection
Examples of Quantitative Monitoring Devices

If you do not have a working qualitative
method to assess if the fume hood is
functioning properly, contact EHS at
278-7422.
Pre-Use Inspection
Qualitative Inspection Methods

Examples of Qualitative
Devices include:




Kimwipes / Delicate
Wipes
Tape
Mylar Strips
The device used must
demonstrate airflow is
flowing inward.
Pre-Use Inspection
Qualitative Inspection Methods



The material used
(kimwipe, mylar or
tape) should be
pulled in by the fume
hood to indicate there
is inward airflow.
The material must be
tested in multiple
areas where the hood
is open.
If you are having
trouble or do not note
the inward movement
of air, make sure you
have remembered to
turn the unit on.
Using the Fume Hood
Work Practices

The sash of the fume
hood may be raised
completely during usage,
unless marked
otherwise.

If marked
the hood
shall be opened no
further then the safe
operating level, indicated
by the arrows, when in
use.
Using the Fume Hood
Work Practices



Store non-essential chemicals and other equipment
outside of the fume hood.
Keep the hood free from obstruction of large equipment
whenever possible.
Storage of hazardous waste containers not related to the
wastes being generated within the hood is not advised.


Incompatible wastes are required to be separated and closed
during storage, except when it is necessary to add waste
Do not put your face inside the fume hood when
hazardous substances are present.

Always keep your face and body outside the unit when in use.
Have Concerns?
When should you contact EHS with any concerns?

Annual Inspection






If you note that an
inspection was not
completed within one year.
Maintenance
Repairs
Addition of Large
Equipment
Newly Installed Hoods
You suspect your fume
hood is not protecting you
adequately for any reason.
Training Completion
Acknowledgement form

Please either print out a copy of this slide or request a hard copy from your Department
Safety Coordinator or Supervisor. Please sign/date in the spaces provided, and then
forward it to your Department Safety Coordinator or Supervisor.
I have read the slides presented in the Laboratory Fume Hoods
Power Point presentation and have reviewed the associated department-specific plans.
Name (Print)_________________________________________________
Signature ___________________________________________________
Department _________________________________________________
Date _____________________________
Contacting Campus
Environmental Health and Safety
For questions and concerns, please call
California State University Fresno
Environmental Health and Safety Department at:
(559) 278 - 7422