The best fume hood in the world is nothing until it is connected to a properly designed laboratory ventilation system. These systems are very complex. Therefore, to know whether the fume hood works normally, we must look at it from the overall point of view. We have to test all components to verify that they perform as specified. Even in Europe and the United States, many fume hoods do not operate safely. But the only way to be sure is to test fume hoods in the laboratory where they are installed.

 

For the number of fume hoods installed but not functioning, estimates vary widely. Globally, it is generally accepted that 30% of fume hoods fail to provide the expected function and safety. But the real number could be between 50% and 70%. Given that the number of fume hoods installed worldwide is estimated to exceed 2 million, this means that many people are facing unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

 

There are four main reasons for the safe operation of fume hood

 

Unreasonable design of fume hood

 

Unreasonable design of laboratory

 

Unreasonable design or poor maintenance of laboratory ventilation system

 

User practice

 

Since there are many variables, the only way to know if the fume hood is working is to test it.

 

There are many testing standards around the world. Every company that sells fume hoods will tell you that their fume hoods meet ASHRAE 110 or en 14175 or some other test standards accordingly. But the reality is that these tests are usually done in testing laboratories with near perfect conditions. Therefore, this test only confirms that the design of the fume hood is reasonable, but it does not explain how the fume hood performs in your laboratory. Each laboratory is different because each laboratory has a different ventilation system.

 

The only way to know if your fume hoods are safe is to test them.

 

So what happens when the fume hood doesn't work? The function of fume hood is to capture, contain, dilute and discharge pollutants. When it doesn't work properly, the pollution control will fail. This means that pollutants in the fume hood will enter the laboratory, which may be unhealthy or even dangerous.

 

ASHRAE 110 tests use a number of tests to see if there is a contaminant leak. So if there's a problem, these tests will let you know.

 

Therefore, if you smell chemicals in the laboratory or you have doubts about the laboratory environment, you should test them.

 

Please contact us for more information about how our program helps you to be safe.