Fume Cupboard Testing for Industrial and Higher Education

Safelab provides fume cupboard testing to support our customers' ongoing legal compliance requirements under COSHH Regulation 9. Helping our customers to keep their working environments safe, and to fulfil their legal obligations, is central to all that we do.

We test and maintain the following equipment:

  • Ducted and Ductless (Recirculating) Fume Cupboards
  • Class I and II Microbiological Safety Cabinets
  • Laminar Flow Workstations
  • Forensic Drying Cabinets
  • Chemical Storage Cupboards

It is a legal requirement for Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems (which include fume cupboards) to be subjected to a Thorough Examination and Test at least once every 14 months under COSHH Regulation 9. Each member of our service and maintenance team undergoes extensive training, including COSHH Local Exhaust Ventilation P601, which means that in choosing Safelab you entrust your LEV testing to a Competent Person, as legislation demands.

Our testing protocols conform to BS 7989:2001, BS EN14175:2003, COSHH REG9 , HSG258,  and CLEAPSS G9 for Schools, and our engineers are located in all regions of the UK.  We operate a strong health and safety culture and are proud to have achieved accreditation with Reset, Constructionline, Safecontractor, CHAS, Human Focus (Skanska) and Building with Confidence.

Our Thorough Examination & Test includes:

Fume cupboard testing

Checking and advising on possible containment interference factors

Carrying out a visible inspection and check operation of the fume cupboard

Checking the operation and condition of fume cupboard services

Carrying out qualitative (smoke test) and quantitative (anemometer) airflow assessments

Checking the operation and condition of external fans*

Checking  the condition of ductwork*

*where applicable

All our fume cupboard test equipment is regularly calibrated to ensure accurate results. Additional testing may be conducted according to specific requirements:

HEPA Filter Testing

A mandatory test for Laminar Flow workstations, Class I and Class II Safety Cabinets, and where HEPA filters are fitted to ductless (recirculating) fume cupboards, a DOP (Dispersed Oil Particulate) test is conducted under operational conditions to verify the integrity not only of the HEPA filter, but also of the seals and housing. An aerosol is dispersed upstream of the filter, and the downstream face and seals of the filter are scanned for leaks using a calibrated photometer.

Containment Testing

Where quantitative measure of the containment provided by a fume cupboard is required, a KI-Discus test is conducted.  A spinning disc located in the fume cupboard disperses a Potassium Iodide (KI) aerosol. External air is sampled and a Protection Factor calculated.

Activated Carbon Filter Testing

A calibrated monitor fitted with a Figaro sensor is placed in the exhaust airflow of the unit and an ethanol based spray is introduced to the cabinet intake airflow whilst the unit is running. The monitor will alert the engineer to any level of the substance reaching the sensor. This sensor is similar to the one used as part of the built in saturation alarm safety feature on many Safelab units.

Activated carbon filters come in many forms and handle a great number of chemicals. Our testing protocol gives a general indication to the condition of the filter as well as confirmation that it is seated and sealed satisfactorily (particularly important after filter replacement). We take into account the usage of the cupboard as well as the processes conducted within to offer the right advice regarding replacement and suitability of the filters.

More specific ongoing testing can be carried by end users utilising Draeger or Gastec systems at regular intervals between Safelab's routine examination and test visits. These systems allow for the specific testing of a chosen substance.

If any defect in operation of the fume cupboard is detected we can undertake remedial works as required, including retro-fitting of air flow monitors to many fume cupboards.  We also offer fume cupboard and ductwork decontamination services

Contact us with your fume cupboard testing and maintenance requirements and we will be pleased to help.