Routine Testing of Fume Cupboards

Fume cupboards are a type of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system designed to protect laboratory personnel from hazardous fumes and airborne contaminants. To ensure their continued effectiveness, they must undergo regular inspections in accordance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. This requires a thorough examination and test at least once every 14 months.

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Regular testing is essential to maintain a safe working environment, prevent exposure to harmful substances, and meet legal obligations. Partnering with qualified professionals for LEV inspections guarantees reliable results and ongoing regulatory compliance.

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Whether in a medical, Research, educational, or pharmaceutical setting, maintaining the safety and wellbeing of your staff and students is essential. Over time, factors like wear and tear, improper use, or ventilation issues can compromise your fume cupboards performance, increasing the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.

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Our detailed reports are designed to provide clear, actionable insights. Whether it’s recommending upgrades or addressing necessary repairs, our goal is to ensure your fume hood systems meet the highest safety standards.

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When Should Fume Cupboard Testing Be Performed?

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To maintain a safe and compliant laboratory environment, fume cupboards should undergo a thorough examination and test at least once every 14 months, as required by COSHH Regulation 9 and outlined in HSG 258. This ensures the system continues to provide effective containment and protection against hazardous fumes.

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In addition to formal testing, daily visual inspections should be carried out to check for visible damage, airflow obstructions, or improper operation. It is essential to ensure the airflow indicator is functioning correctly and that the sash and alarms are in proper working order.

 

A commissioning test should also be conducted before the initial use of a newly installed fume cupboard to confirm correct installation and operational safety. Furthermore, if any significant maintenance, repairs, or adjustments are made, a re-commissioning test must be performed to ensure the fume cupboard remains compliant and effective.

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BS EN 14175 Series of Standards​​​​​​​​

The standard is split into 8 separate documents:

• BS EN 14175-1 Vocabulary

• BS EN 14175-2 Safety and Performance Requirements

• BS EN 14175-3 Type Test Methods

• BS EN 14175-4 On-Site Test Methods

• DD CEN/TS 14175-5 Recommendations for Installation & Maintenance

• BS EN 14175-6 Variable Air Volume Fume Cupboards

• BS EN 14175-7 Fume Cupboards for High Heat and Acidic Load

• BS EN 14175-8 Fume Cupboards for Work with Radioactive Materials

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Fume Cupboard Testing in Schools

CLEAPSS G9

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Fume cupboards play a vital role in ensuring the safety of students and staff in school science laboratories, particularly during experiments involving hazardous chemicals. To maintain a safe learning environment, it is essential that these systems are regularly inspected and tested. We conduct thorough fume cupboard testing in accordance with CLEAPSS guidelines, which provide specific safety standards for educational settings. Our testing ensures that fume cupboards operate effectively, offering reliable containment and protection. 

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