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Safe use of laboratory fume cupboards

1. ssssssssssssseeee tenete tenete 9 5 6 1 RAGIOISOLOPES s lt RR 9 5 6 2 hNI lare orjase cm 9 5 7 NEEM AION 8 NONEM 10 B SATUS 10 6 1 BEFORE STARTING WORK IN A FUME CUPBOARD 0 cccccccccccceseeeseeseseeseeeeseseesesesiesesieseeneeets 10 6 2 PREPARING TO USE THE FUMECUPBODARD iisssssssssseeeetneteete tette tenens 11 SE MEMEEIS eU Em 11 cr EE donus 9 11 65 EMERGEN CE S zu tteteedt cette r tede tbid dncindiie reboot cubi dbce e dceciee directa 12 7 Training instruction and Information ces certc te Ce era np c gi a erdt 12 amp FUME CUD BOA OG DOOK esperti tnr tet tinent tbe ett bn nte etapa et cnet pete entrent 13 Appendix 1 Flow chart of ducted fume cupboard thorough examination and testing process 14 Appendix 2 Training requirements for fume cupboard users ssssssssssssssenees 15 Appendix 3 Record of fume cupboard usage log book 17 Appendix 4 MerSIOH CODO Er EeAULILEMERIMCME DELI E MEUM MU 20 OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page2 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 1 SUMMARY Fume cupboards are used widely in laboratories and are designed to capture and remove air borne hazardous substances generated during laboratory experiments e g gases vapours aerosols and particulates dust It is essential that users understand how to use them effectively and that they are maint
2. OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page8 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 trained users e Report faults to E amp F e Where the fume cupboard has ventilated storage integrated into the system check the general condition of the storage cupboard and inflow of air into it using a smoke pen at least annually e Monitor that annual inspections and tests are undertaken by E amp F contractors see section 4 4 e Where there are concerns about the effectiveness of a fume cupboard the following checks may be undertaken speak to H amp SS for further assistance o Facevelocity using an anemometer o Airflow visualisation smoke test e Where the fume cupboard has variable air volume VAV controls fitted check that face velocities remain constant when sash is closed 5 5 Thorough examination and test Every fume cupboard used for work with hazardous materials must have a thorough examination and test atleast every 14 months E amp F are responsible for arranging this for ducted cupboards However Schools must be aware of the process and be able to recognise if thorough examination and testing has not taken place They must also co ordinate with E amp F to agree if maintenance or repair is required or whether Systems that are not fit for purpose or have failed a thorough examination and test should be decommissioned Schools are
3. R49 May cause cancer by inhalation R60 May impair fertility R61 May cause harm to the unborn child R62 Possible risk of impaired fertility R63 Possible risk of harm to the unborn child R64 May cause harm to breast fed babies R67 Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness R68 Possible risk of irreversible effects uUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 19 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Appendix 4 Version control VERSION KEEPER REVIEWED APPROVED BY APPROVAL DATE X X H amp S Every four years XXXXX XX XX XX XX H amp S Annually XXXXX XX XX XX OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 20
4. 12 Restrictions on what work can be carried out in recirculation fume cupboards 13 Dealing with spillages within the fume cupboard 14 Emergency actions what to do if the power or airflow fails OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 15 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 15 Routine cleaning of the cupboard after use 16 Principles of airflow performance testing and containment testing 17 Who to report to if the fume cupboard is out of test 18 Donotuse ifthe fume cupboard is out of test does not have any indication of test status or has a red fail label 19 Operating fume cupboards in an energy efficient manner whilst maintaining safety standards Both trainer and trainee agree that the above training has been fully completed and that the trainee is considered to be competent to use the fume cupboard for the specific project work POSITION NAME SIGNATURE DATE Trainer Trainee OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 16 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Appendix 3 Record of fume cupboard usage log book IDENTIFY THE MATERIALS IN THIS COLUMN This fume cupboard insert ref has been used with the following materials Radioactive material YES NO
5. Chemical Hazard Flammable R7 May cause fire R8 Contact with combustible material may cause fire R9 Explosive when mixed with combustible material O Flammable p Highly flammable N R1 R R12 Extremely flammable R14 Reacts violently with water R 15 Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases R17 Spontaneously flammable in air R30 Can become highly flammable in use YES NO No further details required Chemical Hazard Harmful R20 Harmful by inhalation R21 Harmful in contact with skin R22 Harmful if swallowed R65 Harmful may cause lung damage if swallowed R66 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking YES NO No further details required Chemical Hazard Irritating R36 Irritating to eyes R37 Irritating to respiratory system R38 Irritating to skin R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact No further details required OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 17 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Chemical Hazard Explosive R1 Explosive when dry R2 Risk of explosion by shock friction fire or other sources of ignition R3 Extreme risk of explosion by shock friction fire or other sources of ignition R4 Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds R5 Heating may cause an explosion R6 Exp
6. cabinets e Every fume cupboard must undergo thorough examination and testing at least every 14 months If this period is exceeded the fume cupboard must be taken out of use until it has been tested e Persons carrying out inspections and tests must mark any fume cupboard that fails with a red Fail label E amp F will inform Schools of any ducted systems that fail an inspection or test e E amp F will maintain records of inspections tests and maintenance of ducted systems and will advise Schools of the need to undertake repairs or maintenance 2 SCOPE This Safety Code of Practice instructs users of fume cupboards on how to use them effectively and safely It should be read in conjunction with e Safety Guide 28 The Assessment and Control of Hazardous substances COSHH e Safety Guide 46 Part 4 Local Exhaust Ventilation which summarises the legal and management requirements for selecting installing and using all types of LEV e Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 2 Fume Cupboards Selection installation maintenance and decommissioning The principal legislation is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 as amended COSHH and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 PUWER See Safety Guide 28 for further information on COSHH OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 3 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 Ma
7. responsible for arranging thorough examinations and tests of recirculating cabinets More information on thorough examination and test can be found in Part 2 ofthis Code of Practice Fume Cupboards Selection installation maintenance and decommissioning A summary of the process can be found in Appendix 1 5 6 Use of specific materials 5 6 1 Radioisotopes The use of radioisotopes in covered in Safety Guides 16 to 19 Fume cupboards must be maintained in a condition that allows easy cleaning and does not allow radioactive contamination to be trapped 5 6 2 Nanoparticles Anyone proposing to work with nanoparticles must consult H amp SS in the first instance about safety precautions and the suitability of extract systems OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 9 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 5 7 Ventilation In most cases fume cupboards are ducted to roof discharge stacks It is common for fume cupboards in a lab complex to share an extract system with all the fume cupboards will eventually flow through the same stack The potential for vapours fumes and dusts to intermingle in an extract system must be considered If there is a potential for harmful chemicals to intermix in the extract system the School in consultation in E amp F and H amp S Services may need to limit the quantities of certain materials used in this system Where this applies all fume c
8. Health amp Safety Services E A posd of Reading Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 5 Edition May 2014 User guide to safe use of i te If I i v oe 5 Te e ze K pis r fi Db ae e TAS OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page1 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Contents MEE TV sinat je REPRE 5 ME ool EM 3 5 mntrogUCLtlOliauunsnenendtozen ten ete depen te luge ideiei geao eieiei ende den stool endacs dues etai edere cat 4 A FRESIOOMS DIMMS E AEAT 4 4 1 SCHOOIS AEPAart Ment so eeeceeccececscseesesseseeseseeseseesesseseseesesecseseesesessesesuesesseseeseseesesesussesseseeseseeseseeseseeseeees 4 4 2 UCM 5 4 5 EStALES ONG FACIITSS es acatiesshsartenetanshessbershnactsnabanabeathenabaastenabersbeushertbaastesibqnabestbel aaa aaa ai Ei 5 5 QhemicalT rrie cuDDoOalds a cepere pdt aaraa naha eaka eds 6 51 Typesotfume cUupbOards eie oer ro oe eer eden eie ide eire ede dede 6 5 2 Sides EE 7 5 5 Table 2 Performance criteria for ducted fume cupboards s sss 8 5 3 1 Daily and weekly checks ssssssssssssseseeete tnnt tentent teretes 8 5 4 Table 3 Suggested operational checks for fume cupboards sss 8 5 5 Thorough examinationraridi test escis tenete bett eee neret Rhe en hene nd 9 5 6 Use of specific materials
9. ages immediately using the correct absorption materials Dispose of as hazardous waste e Treat fires with extreme caution The use of high pressure CO2 may spread flames and eject items out of the fume cupboard Only tackle fires if you have the correct fire fighting equipment and have been trained to use it Otherwise close the sash and if possible turn off the fume cupboard Raise the alarm by activating the fire alarm press red manual call point and phone the emergency services 999 Evacuate the building 7 TRAINING INSTRUCTION AND INFORMATION Users of fume cupboards must be trained in correct use not only in order to understand how the cabinet works but also because poor technique can compromise the operation protection afforded by the cabinet Training should cover e Principles of how cupboards work the airflow and limitations of cabinet performance e Howto work at cupboards safely e Operation and function of all controls and indicators e Operating fume cupboards in an energy efficient manger whilst maintaining safety standards e Howto check if the system is extracting all the hazardous materials e Actions to be carried out in the event of a system failure what to do if something goes wrong The form at Appendix 2 can be used to record training Records of all training including refresher training must be kept and only those trained are authorised to use the system This applies to all users
10. ained inspected and tested by competent persons e Work with substances that produce generate toxic or harmful fumes vapours gases dust or chemical aerosols should be carried out in a fume cupboard to eliminate or reduce the risk of exposure to an acceptable and safe level e Schools must identify the location of each ducted fume cupboard under their control and ensure these are registered with Estates and Facilities E amp F e Schools must maintain copies of records of system inspections tests and maintenance e Schools must take any fume cupboard that fails an inspection or test out of use immediately and must ensure that it is clearly marked as such e Users must be trained in correct use including selection of the correct cupboard for the proposed work function of alarms and gauges correct sash height avoiding air flow disturbance emergency procedures and good housekeeping e Fume cupboards use significant amounts of energy Users must be trained in how their appropriate operation in line with health and safety guidance can reduce energy use and contribute to a more comfortable working environment e E amp F mustarrange for statutory inspections and tests of ducted fume cupboards as required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations COSHH and in accordance with the relevant British Standards see Safety Code of Practice 50 e Schools must arrange for statutory inspections and test of recirculating fume
11. careful evaluation needs to be given before they can be used for work with carbon nanotubes or other nanotechnologies Additional maintenance and performance checks may be required 5 2 User checks tis essential that fume cupboards are effective at extracting contaminants from the worker s breathing zone Users must check that the fume cupboard that they intend to use can meet the University of Reading standards set out in Table 2 this will normally be indicated on the test label and in the fume cupboard log book They must also check the fume cupboard face velocity indicator before use to check the fume cupboard is operating within safe parameters 0 5m s fthere is any doubt additional smoke visualisation test a containment test or monitoring of the worker s breathing zone may be required to verify that the fume cupboard is capable of extracting the hazardous material from the worker s breathing zone OUniversity of Reading 2015 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 5 5 Table 2 Performance criteria for ducted fume cupboards TYPE OF WORK MINIMUM FACE VELOCITY AT SASH OPENING HEIGHT OF 500MM Standard work with 0 5 m s 10 hazardous substances Work with radioactive 0 7 m s 10 material Variable airflow volume 0 5 m s 1096 fume cupboards High performance low 0 3 m s 1096 flow fume cupboards In all cases the
12. d the location of each fume cupboard uUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 4 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 e Recordthe results of each examination and test plus details of any maintenance undertaken e Report defects in ducted systems to E amp F e Take timely action on reports from E amp F identifying the need for maintenance or requiring that the system is taken out of use pending repair maintenance or replacement e Alogbookis maintained which records basic information on usage so that risks to E amp F maintenance staff contractors and engineering inspectors from substances materials used in the fume cupboard can be assessed and managed e The fume cupboard is made safe before maintenance work is undertaken i e removing hazardous substances decontamination fumigation where necessary Tasks such as electrical isolation are the responsibility of E amp F e Recirculating fume cupboards are maintained in a safe condition by the School including the requirement for a competent engineer to carry out a thorough examination and text atleast every 14 months e Ensure that fume cupboards are used in the most energy efficient manner consistent with safety requirements e Display appropriate signage and emergency contact details where ongoing experiments are in progress Before using a fume cupboard users must first assess whether ther
13. e is a safer way to do the work which will eliminate or reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous materials Only ifthe hazard cannot be eliminated or reduced by alternative methods should the work go ahead in a fume cupboard 4 2 Users Users must e Attend any training required to ensure that they are competent to use a fume cupboard e Use the cabinet in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions and their training e Promptly report any faults and as far as possible make safe before closing the cabinet and posting a Faulty Do not use sign on the cabinet in a prominent position 4 5 Estates and Facilities E amp F will e Maintain a record of the location of all ducted fume cupboards with identification asset tags e Arrange for and maintain a record of all maintenance and inspection of ducted fume cupboards e Inform Schools Departments of any ducted fume cupboard that requires remedial work or which fails an inspection e Arrange for remedial work to be carried out on ducted fume cupboards after confirmation from the School that the fume cupboard is required e Decommission any ducted fume cupboards that fail a performance test and which are not repaired OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 5 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 5 CHEMICAL FUME CUPBOARDS 5 1 Types of fume cupboard Table 1 summarises the most common ty
14. esk even ifthe fume cupboard is a new installation installed via E amp F Projects Schooltakes cabinet out of use School decides if cabinet is required for future use and liaises with E amp F to agree School checks report if remedial workif identified as necessary School raises WREN for reactive maintenance UNLESS itis decided that cupboard is not required and should be taken out ofuse OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 14 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Appendix2 Training requirements for fume cupboard users SUBJECT ITEM COMPETENCY COVERED ASSESSED 1 This CoP has been issued 2 Control panels alarms and indicators what they all mean 3 Safe operating parameters face velocity 4 How to turn the fume cupboard on and off 5 The importance of lowering the sash to the lowest possible position when working at the cupboard 6 The importance of shutting the sash whenever the operator does not need access to within the cupboard 7 Techniques to avoid disrupting the airflow 8 Local rules on whether the fume cupboard can be left on or not 9 Permitted equipment allowed within the cupboard 10 Localrules on restrictions on use of particular cupboards 11 Dealing with waste within the fume cupboard do not let is accumulate or use the fume cupboard for waste storage
15. hazardous materials that require filtration before being exhausted to atmosphere OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 6 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Recirculating filtered fume cupboards operate by drawing air into the fume cupboard and exhausting it though a set of filters for example a particulate pre filter and a carbon filter before the air is passed back into the laboratory They are designed to reduce the airborne concentration of a defined range of chemical vapours fumes smells and dusts in the air to acceptable levels They can mop up low levels of some vapours and fumes very efficiently but they might not cope well with gross spillages or boiling off solvents or acids The filters are specific for a set of chemicals and need to be changed when they become saturated otherwise the efficiency will fall rapidly Recirculating fume cupboards must not be used for highly toxic chemicals or for regular use of toxic and or flammable solvents in large quantities They are not suitable for e Radioactive substances e Anysustance for which the filters are not specified e Small molecules such as nitrogen carbon monoxide or hydrogen e Boiling off large quantities of solvents or acids e High heat loadings where internal surfaces are heat sensitive plastics e Unventilated work areas In addition
16. losive with or without contact with air R16 Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances R18 In use may form flammable explosive vapour air mixture R19 May form explosive peroxides R44 Risk of explosion if heated under confinement YES NO No further details required Chemical Hazard Toxic R23 Toxic by inhalation R24 Toxic in contact with skin R25 Toxic if swallowed R26 Very toxic by inhalation R27 Very toxic in contact with skin R28 Very toxic if swallowed R29 Contact with water liberates toxic gas R31 Contact with acids liberates toxic gas R32 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas YES NO Chemical Hazard Corrosive R34 Causes burns R35 Causes severe burns YES NO No further details required Chemical Hazard Carcinogenic R33 Danger of cumulative effects R39 Danger of very serious irreversible YES NO OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 18 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Mutagenic effects Other serious R40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic health risks effect R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes R42 May cause sensitisation by inhalation R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact R45 May cause cancer R46 May cause heritable genetic damage R48 Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
17. maximum recommended face velocity is 1m sec 5 5 1 Daily and weekly checks In addition users and laboratory supervisors should make daily and weekly checks to confirm that performance remains satisfactory and that any faults are identified and corrected see Table 3 below The performance of any fume cupboard can be severely compromised by incorrect use in particular anything that disturbs the flow of air into the enclosure Any of the following could cause interference to airflow and cause fumes or vapours from within the enclosure to enter the worker s breathing zone e External draughts caused by the user s sudden movements by people walking past the front of the cupboard by doors opening by air conditioning units or by other fans e Theuse of naked flames hot air funs ovens hotplates fans or centrifuges all of which may cause turbulence e Large items placed too close to the front opening or too close to the back baffle e heuseofscreens for protection against ionising radiation or explosion 5 4 Table 3 Suggested operational checks for fume cupboards User e Make daily checks of general condition clean tidy etc e Make pre use checks of warning lights air flow gauges and sash alarms where fitted e Report any faults to supervisor Lab Supervisor e Make weekly checks of warning lights air flow gauges and sash alarms where fitted Keep record inlog book NB This may be delegated to
18. mp S Coordinator for advice Chemicals must not be stored in a fume cupboard used for experimental work they could escalate an accident Hotplates must be kept to a minimum and be aware that they might adversely affect the airflow If hot plates are used these should be placed at least 10 cm from the side and back of the cupboard to avoid damage to the cupboard structure Any accidental spill of chemicals must be cleaned up immediately i e as soon as itis safe to do so If an experimentis left running out of hours a contact name and telephone number must be prominently displayed Do not leave potentially hazardous work unattended 6 4 AFTER USE OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 11 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 e Atthe end of your experiment remove equipment and clean the surfaces Leave the fume cupboard in a clean tidy and safe state e Dispose of waste in a safe appropriate manner as identified by the risk assessment and in accordance with laboratory rules e If permitted by local rules lab risk assessment switch off the fume cupboard 6 5 EMERGENCIES e If the ventilation system fails immediately stop working If safe to do so replace lids on containers and terminate any ongoing processes e Pull the sash as low as possible and move away from the fume cupboard Warn other workers there is a problem e Deal with spill
19. pes of fume cupboard Table 1 Summary of the main types of fume cupboards Extract or Ducted Fume Cupboards Extract or ducted fume cupboards are far the most common type of fume cupboard at the University They function by drawing in laboratory air into the fume cupboard thus containing and diluting the contents before discharging them to the environment usually without filtration three meters above roof level Most ducted fume cupboards are constant air volume cupboards these always pull the same amount of air regardless of sash position As the sash is moved the velocity of the fume cupboard face changes increases as sash is lowered decreases as it is raised Increasingly variable air volume fume cupboards are installed these are fitted with a face velocity control which varies the amount of total air pulled exhausted in response to the sash height maintaining a constant face velocity Wash down or scrubber systems are a form of ducted fume cupboard where contaminated air from the fume hood enters a wash down unit where water spray and exchange systems are used to remove contaminants such as water soluble gases vapours aerosols and particulates which dissolve into the scrubbing liquor The purified air is released up the stack The scrubbing liquor is re circulated from the sump and back to the top of the system using a pump Note ducted fume cupboards are not suitable for non soluble
20. s This should be indicated in the lab risk assessment or local rules Guidance Switching off a fume cupboard can save approximately 1 000 year per cupboard based on 2012 energy prices Increasingly cupboards are fitted with energy efficient controls which save energy reduce laboratory heat loss and maintain constant air flow rates 4 RESPONSIBILITIES 4 1 Schools departments General management responsibilities are set out in Safety Guide 46 Part 4 Local Exhaust Ventilation With respect to fume cupboards Schools Departments must ensure that e Aresponsible person s is designated to have overall control of the fume cupboards in their area e All ducted fume cupboards are registered with Estates and Facilities E amp F for servicing maintenance and inspection including any new installations supplied through E amp F Projects e Fume cupboards are used in accordance with the user manual operating instructions e Work undertaken in the fume cupboard is consistent with the level of protection control provided by that system e g flow rates are adequate to protect the worker the correct type of fume cupboard is used e Users are trained in correct operating procedures This includes selection of the correct fume hood or cabinet for the proposed work and recognising when systems are operating effectively or are out of test See section 6 for training requirements e Asystemis established to e Recor
21. s not satisfactory do not use the fume cupboard and report it to your AHSC or laboratory manager e Check for obvious surface contamination Clean if necessary to avoid adverse reactions with the chemicals you intend to use e Ensure that you have enough space to conduct your work safely and that all unnecessary items of equipment and chemicals not required in the process are removed e Where practical ensure that all items for the operation are available in the fume cupboard e If using flammable materials check that you know the location of the nearest suitable fire extinguisher OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 10 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 e fusing flammable liquids above their flash point avoid direct heating by bunsen burners and take particular care to minimise spills If practical place electrical equipment where it will not be splashed from a spill 6 2 PREPARING TO USE THE FUMECUPBOARD Position equipment apparatus and materials in the centre and back ofthe cupboard to minimise disturbance to the airflow Do not obstruct the rear baffle Equipment in the fume cupboard should be kept to a minimum and sited at least 150mm inside the plane of the sash to ensure efficient containment Keep items away from the sash opening to allow instant closure in an emergency Avoid placing large pieces of equipment in a fume cupboard the
22. upboards in the system must be clearly labelled 6 SAFEUSE 6 1 BEFORE STARTING WORK IN A FUME CUPBOARD e Anyprocess involving the use of hazardous substances must have been subject to risk assessment before starting the work In addition to considering the use of a fume cupboard it must also have considered whether it is practical to e Useless hazardous materials e Changethe process to eliminate the production of hazardous substances e Totally enclose the process e Reduce the quantities of the substances used e Reduce the amount of substance released into the airflow e g use a condenser watch glass cover etc e Usea slower reaction rate e Apply simple controls such as fitting lids e Ensure you are using the correct type of fume cupboard e Check that the fume cupboard has a test sticker fixed to the front of the cabinet to confirm that it has been tested examined within the last 14 months and has passed the test Check that the retest date has not been passed Do not use the fume cupboard if it is outside the 14 month period e Confirm that the fume cupboard is working satisfactorily by a visual check of function lights air flow gauge is in safe zone normally above 0 5 m s see Table 2 and by means of atissue paper strip in the opening For high risk operations the air velocity must be measured using a vane anemometer and the reading must be recorded in the log book If the indicators show that the airflow i
23. whether staff or students f the extraction system changes removal of cabinets on the system change in extract routes or fans the system must be re commissioned and the users re trained Consideration must also be given to the possible need to clean the system of any residues from previous uses n mixed or shared extract stack systems an assessment of the need to restrict the use of certain substances must be undertaken to prevent the mixing of incompatible substances in the extract ducting and stack OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 12 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 8 FUME CUPBOARD LOG BOOK All fume cupboards must be accompanied by a log book This log book is to include Instructions for use including limitations where applicable Usage data see Appendix 2 Copy of user tests and performance measurements e g face velocity Copies of annual inspection and test results for the last 5 years Copies of maintenance records Detailed technical information for service providers and maintenance repair engineers OUniversity of Reading 2015 Page 13 Safety Code of Practice 49 Part 1 User guide to safe use of Laboratory fume cupboards Edition 5 May 2014 Appendix 1 Flow chart of ducted fume cupboard thorough examination and testing process School ensures fume cupboard is registered with E amp F via E amp F Helpd
24. y 2014 5 INTRODUCTION Fume cupboards are used widely in laboratories and are designed to capture and remove air borne hazardous substances generated during laboratory experiments e g gases vapours aerosols and particulates dust Work with substances that produce generate toxic or harmful fumes vapours gases dust or chemical aerosols should be carried out in a fume cupboard to eliminate or reduce the risk of exposure to an acceptable and safe level Forthe purposes ofthis CoP a fume cupboard consists of an enclosed compartment with a sash at the front a current of air is pulled through the front of the opening across the experiment and away from the user to prevent the inhalation of hazardous materials The extract air is either ducted away from the point of use to an external discharge point or is recirculated through a filter Fume cupboards must NOT be used for the containment of biological materials Where such containment is required a microbiological safety cabinet must be used This CoP does not cover capture hoods downflow benches snorkels and other forms of Local Exhaust Ventilation LEV Many fume cupboards are designed to run continuously and the room air intake is balanced to account for this Some other fume cupboards may be switched off after being emptied and cleaned but this must only be done in laboratories where this does not impact on other safety considerations such as room pressure regime
25. y spoil the aerodynamic flow and may reduce the containment of fumes If their use cannot be avoided they should be raised up about 10cm using lab jacks in order to allow air to pass unimpeded across the work surface and to be exhausted from rear of fume cupboard The experimental materials must be sited at least 150 mm inside the plane of the sash to ensure efficient containment 6 3 DURING USE Fume cupboards should be used with the sash as low as reasonably practicable as this gives the best containment of fume vapour and helps contain any fire or explosion that may occur The maximum height when working at the fume cupboard should be 0 5m and where reasonably practicable should be lower Use the sash position to your advantage e Fully open to provide access for setting up equipment e Partially open to a comfortable work height when handling the material inside the cupboard e Lowered as far as is practicable when the process is in operation and your intervention is no longer required including when stepping away for any period of time Try to avoid sudden rapid movements in front of the cupboard These can cause turbulence that may draw the airborne hazardous material out of the cupboard Do not use naked flames as they will have a serious adverse effect on the air flow Perchloric acid must not be used in fume cupboard unless fitted with wash down facility as this presents a risk of fire consult your local Area H a

Safe use of laboratory fume cupboards

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