Basic Documentation

Laboratory Ventilation Codes and Standards
Siemens Industry, Inc. 36
Topic Requirement(s) Commentary
(Special
Purpose)
Radioisotope
National Fire Protection Association, Standard NFPA 45, 2011
A-8-12.1 Laboratory hoods in which radioactive materials are handled should be
identified with the radiation hazard symbol. For information, see NFPA 801, Standard
for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials.
American National Standard for Laboratory Ventilation, ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003
1.1 This standard does not apply to the following types of laboratories or hoods except
as it may relate to general laboratory ventilation:
• Explosives laboratories;
• Radioisotope laboratories
• Laminar flow hoods (e.g., a clean bench for product protection, not employee
protection);
• Biological safety cabinets
5.3.2.2 Where there is a potential contamination from hood operations as determined
by the Hazard Evaluation and Analysis of Section 2.4, radioisotope hoods shall not be
manifolded with nonradioisotope hoods unless in-line HEPA filtration and/or another
necessary air-cleaning system is provided between the hood and the manifold.
5.3.2.3 Exhaust streams comprised of radioactive materials shall be adequately
filtered to ensure removal of radioactive material before being connected to a
centralize exhaust system.
Scientific Equipment & Furniture Association
SEFA 1–2006 Recommended Practices for Laboratory Fume Hoods
4.2.2 Radio Isotope Fume Hood
A fume hood used for Beta and Gamma radiation shall be referred to as a
radioisotope hood. A radioisotope hood has the general characteristics of a bench-top
fume hood except the work surface and interior lining must be type 304 stainless steel
with coved seamless welded seams for easy cleaning and decontamination. The hood
design is identical to other hood types in nearly all other respects. Horizontal sash
panels are not appropriate for this fume hood type.
The work surface shall be dished t o contain spills and cleaning liquids and shall be
properly reinforced to support lead shielding and shielded containers. The load-
bearing capacity shall be 200 pounds per square foot (978.5 Kg/m 2) minimum up to a
total weight of 1,000 pounds (453.6 Kg) per fume hood or base cabinet section.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
INDUSTRIAL VENTILATION A Manual of Recommended Practice, 27th Edition
3.7.2 For low activity radioactive laboratory work, a laboratory fume hood may be
acceptable. For such hoods, an average face velocity of 80 to 100 fpm is
recommended.
Few definitive requirements exist for
radioisotope fume hoods. However,
experience indicates that they should be
constructed of a continuous (no seams)
cleanable non-porous material such as 304
stainless steel (18 GA. minimum) without any
sharp corners or recesses.
Isotope fume hood exhaust should not be
combined with other fume hood exhaust due
to the potential for contamination of exhaust
system fans and other components which
could then pose a danger to maintenance
personnel. VAV controls should also be
avoided due to possible component
contamination. Isotope fume hood exhaust
systems should have provisions for a HEPA
or carbon filter.