Fume Cupboard Testing for Schools and Colleges
Safelab provides fume cupboard testing, servicing and maintenance for schools and colleges across the UK, helping education sites meet their legal compliance duties under COSHH Regulation 9.
Our trained engineers carry out Thorough Examination and Test visits on ducted and filtered fume cupboards, including units from any make or model, to help schools maintain safe and compliant science teaching environments.
Important: Schools and colleges must have their fume cupboards subjected to a Thorough Examination and Test at least once every 14 months under COSHH Regulation 9.
Best suited for
Safelab’s school fume cupboard testing service is suitable for education sites that need reliable, compliant testing and maintenance support.
- Secondary schools
- Colleges and sixth forms
- School science departments
- Science technicians and laboratory managers
- Estates and facilities teams
- Multi-academy trusts
- Schools needing COSHH Regulation 9 fume cupboard testing
- Sites with ducted or filtered fume cupboards
- Schools needing testing across multiple laboratories or campuses
What our fume cupboard testing includes
- Containment interference checks — checking and advising on possible factors that may affect containment.
- Visible inspection — checking the condition and operation of the fume cupboard.
- Service checks — checking the operation and condition of fume cupboard services.
- Airflow assessments — carrying out qualitative smoke testing and quantitative anemometer airflow assessments.
- External fan checks — checking the operation and condition of external fans*.
- Ductwork checks — checking the condition of ductwork*.
*where applicable
Why choose Safelab for school fume cupboard testing?
Choose Safelab if your school or college needs an experienced service provider for fume cupboard testing, servicing and maintenance.
Our engineers understand the requirements of education laboratories and can support schools with routine Thorough Examination and Test visits, filter testing, defect advice and remedial works where required.
- Testing for schools and colleges across the UK
- Any make or model of fume cupboard tested
- Ducted and filtered fume cupboards covered
- P601-trained service engineers
- DBS-checked engineers
- Experience installing, testing and maintaining school fume cupboards
- Testing protocols aligned with COSHH Regulation 9, HSG258 and CLEAPSS G9
- Remedial works available if defects are identified
Activated carbon filter testing
For ductless or recirculating fume cupboards fitted with activated carbon filters, Safelab can carry out activated carbon filter testing as part of the examination process.
A calibrated monitor with a Figaro sensor is placed in the exhaust airflow of the fume cupboard, and an ethanol-based spray is introduced to the cabinet intake airflow while the unit is running. The monitor alerts the engineer to any level of the substance reaching the sensor.
This provides a general indication of filter condition and helps confirm that the filter is seated and sealed satisfactorily, which is particularly important after filter replacement.
Activated carbon filter testing can help assess:
- filter condition;
- filter seating;
- filter sealing;
- suitability following filter replacement;
- whether further investigation or replacement may be required.
More specific ongoing testing can also be carried out by end users using Draeger or Gastec systems between Safelab’s routine examination and test visits.
If a defect in operation is detected, Safelab can advise on and undertake remedial works as required.
COSHH Regulation 9 and 14-month fume cupboard testing
Under COSHH Regulation 9, schools and colleges are required to have their fume cupboards subjected to a Thorough Examination and Test at least once every 14 months.
Routine fume cupboard testing helps schools demonstrate that their local exhaust ventilation equipment is being examined, maintained and kept in effective working order.
Safelab supports schools and colleges with planned fume cupboard testing visits, helping science departments, technicians and estates teams stay on top of their compliance responsibilities.
Standards and guidance
Safelab’s school fume cupboard testing protocols conform to relevant standards and guidance, including:
- COSHH Regulation 9
- HSG258
- CLEAPSS G9 for Schools
- BS EN 17242
- BS EN 14175
Our engineers are trained to support schools and colleges with the practical testing, servicing and maintenance requirements associated with education laboratory fume cupboards.
Fume cupboard testing vs servicing and remedial works
Fume cupboard testing, servicing and remedial works are related, but they are not always the same thing. Testing checks whether the fume cupboard is operating correctly and supports compliance requirements. Servicing and remedial works help maintain or restore safe operation where issues are identified.
Simple comparison
| Fume cupboard testing | Servicing and remedial works |
|---|---|
| Checks performance and condition | Maintains, repairs or restores operation |
| Supports COSHH Regulation 9 compliance | Helps address defects or performance issues |
| Includes inspection and airflow assessment | May include replacement parts or repairs |
| Identifies defects or concerns | Resolves identified issues where possible |
| Required at least every 14 months | Carried out when required or as part of planned maintenance |
| Produces evidence of examination/testing | Supports continued safe use of equipment |
Not sure whether your school needs testing, servicing or remedial works? Safelab can advise on the most suitable service for your fume cupboards.
Fume cupboard testing and servicing for schools and colleges across the UK
Safelab provides professional fume cupboard testing, servicing and maintenance for schools and colleges across the UK.
Our qualified, DBS-checked engineers carry out Thorough Examination and Test visits on ducted and filtered fume cupboards, helping schools maintain safe and compliant science teaching environments.
With nationwide coverage and extensive experience in education laboratories, Safelab is a trusted partner for school fume cupboard testing, CLEAPSS-compliant testing and ongoing laboratory safety support.
Common questions
Need fume cupboard testing for your school or college?
If your school needs routine fume cupboard testing, activated carbon filter testing, servicing or remedial works, Safelab can help you stay compliant and keep your science teaching spaces safe.
Speak to our team for advice on fume cupboard testing and maintenance for schools, colleges, science departments and multi-academy trusts.