Maintenance and Testing of Fume Cupboard Performance.
1. TESTING AND INSPECTION
Testing and inspection are legally required to be carried out at least every 14 months,(effectively annually), on all fume cupboards. In addition, at least a weekly check needs to be carried out to indicate that the fume cupboard is functioning (unless fitted with a flow alarm).
For vented fume cupboards the following needs to be carried out on an annual basis:
i measurement of average face velocity, normally arranged by Works staff, and carried out by a contractor,
ii maintenance of motor, fans etc. and inspection of ducting and general extract system.
iii inspection and maintenance of the fume cupboard itself. This is to be carried out by Works staff or contractors.
iv where fume cupboards have been fitted with special filters, these will need to be
changed in accordance with manufacturers / suppliers recommendations. Who
carries out the change of filter will depend on the complexity of the fume cupboard
design etc.
2. Average Face Velocity
The optimal average face velocity is 0.5 m/s.(5&6) Most universities have adopted the
standard of 0.5 m/s at a 500 mm sash opening. The following standards have been
adopted at the Royal Free:
· 0.3 - 0.5 m/s at a working opening for all work not involving very toxic or toxic substances, unless these are in minute quantities.
· 0.5 - 0.75 m/s at a working opening for all work involving very toxic, toxic,carcinogenic or radioactive substances.
Note the working opening should normally be no more than 500 mm and the average face velocity should be no more than 1 m/s at the working opening, otherwise loss of containment is likely to result due to turbulence.
3. The schedule for testing of fume cupboards is listed in point 7 below.4. Where a fume cupboard is not fitted with a built-in airflow velocity meter, or alarm the bottom of fume cupboard sashes should be fitted with a strip of flexible material (e.g.plastic tape) to indicate when the fume cupboard is drawing in air. This in effect does away with the necessity of a weekly check provided that the user checks the meter or
tape every time they use the fume cupboard.
5. The sash mechanism should be checked every 6 months after the annual test. This operation may be carried out by the departmental technical staff. Records of all such
examinations need to be kept within the department. The following need to be checked:
Inspection of sash mechanism for corrosion and damage.
· Inspection of condition of controls and services to fume cupboard. Also check any
alarms for sash position or airflow.
6. All faults should be put right as soon as possible. If the fault significantly affects or is likely to affect the functioning of the fume cupboard, then the fume cupboard may not be used until the fault is corrected. A sign needs to be displayed on the front sash of the fume cupboard to prevent usage. Locking off the sash may also need to be considered.
1. TESTING AND INSPECTION
Testing and inspection are legally required to be carried out at least every 14 months,(effectively annually), on all fume cupboards. In addition, at least a weekly check needs to be carried out to indicate that the fume cupboard is functioning (unless fitted with a flow alarm).
For vented fume cupboards the following needs to be carried out on an annual basis:
i measurement of average face velocity, normally arranged by Works staff, and carried out by a contractor,
ii maintenance of motor, fans etc. and inspection of ducting and general extract system.
iii inspection and maintenance of the fume cupboard itself. This is to be carried out by Works staff or contractors.
iv where fume cupboards have been fitted with special filters, these will need to be
changed in accordance with manufacturers / suppliers recommendations. Who
carries out the change of filter will depend on the complexity of the fume cupboard
design etc.
2. Average Face Velocity
The optimal average face velocity is 0.5 m/s.(5&6) Most universities have adopted the
standard of 0.5 m/s at a 500 mm sash opening. The following standards have been
adopted at the Royal Free:
· 0.3 - 0.5 m/s at a working opening for all work not involving very toxic or toxic substances, unless these are in minute quantities.
· 0.5 - 0.75 m/s at a working opening for all work involving very toxic, toxic,carcinogenic or radioactive substances.
Note the working opening should normally be no more than 500 mm and the average face velocity should be no more than 1 m/s at the working opening, otherwise loss of containment is likely to result due to turbulence.
3. The schedule for testing of fume cupboards is listed in point 7 below.4. Where a fume cupboard is not fitted with a built-in airflow velocity meter, or alarm the bottom of fume cupboard sashes should be fitted with a strip of flexible material (e.g.plastic tape) to indicate when the fume cupboard is drawing in air. This in effect does away with the necessity of a weekly check provided that the user checks the meter or
tape every time they use the fume cupboard.
5. The sash mechanism should be checked every 6 months after the annual test. This operation may be carried out by the departmental technical staff. Records of all such
examinations need to be kept within the department. The following need to be checked:
Inspection of sash mechanism for corrosion and damage.
· Inspection of condition of controls and services to fume cupboard. Also check any
alarms for sash position or airflow.
6. All faults should be put right as soon as possible. If the fault significantly affects or is likely to affect the functioning of the fume cupboard, then the fume cupboard may not be used until the fault is corrected. A sign needs to be displayed on the front sash of the fume cupboard to prevent usage. Locking off the sash may also need to be considered.
No comments:
Post a Comment