Fume Cupboard Buying & Specification Guides UK

Fume cupboard selection and specification in the UK requires careful consideration of safety standards, laboratory requirements, and long-term performance. Choosing the right system, whether ducted or ductless, depends on factors such as application, airflow requirements, compliance obligations, and installation constraints.

Specifying a fume cupboard involves balancing safety, performance, compliance, and long-term operational requirements, particularly in more complex laboratory environments.

This section provides practical guidance to help you select and specify the most suitable fume cupboard for your environment. It covers key considerations for consultants, facilities managers, and laboratory designers, including specification using BIM and NBS, as covered in our guide to specifying a fume cupboard, performance standards such as BS EN 14175 and BS EN 17242, and how to balance safety, compliance, and energy efficiency.

A key part of the specification process is deciding between ducted and ductless systems. Our guide to ducted vs ductless fume cupboards explains how to choose the right solution for your laboratory.