Fume Hood Containment Testing : Benefits for Laboratory Managers

Technical Services provides completely independent services for laboratory ventilation services including containment services (ASHREA 110-1995).  Using the latest technologies, we are able to provide a full range of testing services with respect to fume hoods and the environment in which they operate.  Our reports are extensive, yet laid out in a fashion that lets the readers intuitively navigate through our graphical representations of face velocity, cross draft, and containment levels.  ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003 state that a “Laboratory Ventilation Management Plan to ensure proper selection, operation, use, and maintenance of laboratory ventilation equipment” be established.  Our firm can assist you in creating this plan that will ensure that the laboratories are a safe place to work, in compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.  We can also assist in adjusting the systems to ensure that they meet the criteria for the occupants and technology involved in terms of control of temperature, humidity, and air quality in the most energy efficient manner.  After a laboratory has been optimized to achieve these goals, key measurement points can be used to periodically monitor the performance of the systems.  ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003 and PWGSC’s MD 15128 recommend that a yearly verification be made using key measurement points if no substantial design changes have occurred in the laboratories.

A common ideology exists that only the fume hood be verified, it is our point of view that the entire HVAC system in a laboratory be monitored since the environment in which the fume hood operates is a significant determining factor in their performance.  Our company relies on a wealth of experience and our independence to provide reports that are clear and intuitive.  The reports can be customized and delivered in electronic format that allows users easy access to information regarding the systems that are in place to ensure their safety.

Benefits:

• Independent testing and verification of equipment.
• Clear communication of test data.
• Integrated verification of all systems.
• Validation of containment vehicles such as fume hoods.
• Detailed documentation of test results.