Basic Documentation

Table Of Contents
Laboratory Ventilation Codes and Standards
Siemens Industry, Inc. 6
Term Definition Commentary
(8.1) Tracer Gas
Tests
(Continued)
(8.2) Peripheral
Scan
(8.3) Sash
movement
Containment Test
This is the most intricate part of the ASHRAE 110 test and uses a precise release of
sulfur hexafluoride gas (or a gas of similar molecular weight and stability) inside of the
fume hood. The gas is released through a very specifically fabricated ejector unit and
the presence of gas molecules in parts per million (ppm) in the breathing zone of a
mannequin positioned in front of the fume hood are detected by very sensitive
instrumentation. The entire test arrangement including the required instrumentation and
apparatus (including instrumentation accuracy and calibration requirements) and the
actual test procedures are very intricately detailed in the ASHRAE 110 Standard.
This is a part of the tracer gas test but is performed without the mannequin. The gas
detector probe is manually traversed at precise locations around the periphery of the
fume hood openings.
This part of the tracer gas test is intended to determine the potential for fume escape
immediately following a sash movement. A very specific procedure is described and the
results are referred to as the sash movement effect (sme) and are given in ppm.
perform the full compliment of ASHRAE 110
tests requires a substantial investment in test
apparatus and extensive ‘know how’ to
properly conduct the tests. For this reason
ASHRAE 110 tests are normally conducted
by outside (third party) experienced
specialists in fume hood testing and not by
the laboratory occupants or fume hood users
themselves.
This test is intended to detect fume leakage
from the fume hood at locations that are not
in a user’s normal breathing zone.
Note again that the ASHRAE 110 Test
Standard does not provide any pass/fail or
acceptance criteria for the tracer gas tests.
The ASHRAE 110 tests are not only intended
to establish the adequacy of a fume hood at a
given point in time, but also to establish a
baseline of quantifying a fume hood’s
performance so that subsequent repeat
testing can be done to track continued
performance. Actual test pass/fail criteria are
intended to be established by the laboratory
facility or the designated Chemical Hygiene
Officer. However, other outside authorities
having jurisdiction (that is, local government
agencies or insurance companies, etc.) may
institute a set of required criteria based upon
certain ASHRAE 110 Tests.