The best fume hoods in the world are nothing until they are 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 an overall perspective. We must 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 sure way is to test fume hoods in the laboratory where they are installed.
 

Estimates vary widely for the number of fume hoods installed but not functioning. Globally, we all agree that 30% of fume hoods fail to provide the expected function and expected safety. But the real figure may 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 why the fume hood cannot operate safely:

Unreasonable design of fume hood

Unreasonable laboratory design

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 works is to test it.

Worldwide, there are many test standards. Every company selling fume hoods will tell you that their fume hoods comply with ASHRAE 110 or en 14175 or some other test standards accordingly. But the reality is that these tests are usually completed in test laboratories with near perfect conditions. Therefore, this test only confirms that the fume hood design is reasonable, but it does not indicate how the fume hood performs in your laboratory. Each laboratory is different because each laboratory has a different ventilation system.

　　Fume hood test

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 the fume hood is to capture, contain, dilute and discharge pollutants. When it does not work properly, pollutant control will fail. This means that the pollutants in the fume hood will enter the laboratory, which may be unhealthy or even dangerous.

The ASHRAE 110 test uses 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 questions about the laboratory environment, you should test.

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