Basic Documentation

Table Of Contents
Laboratory Ventilation Codes and Standards
Siemens Industry, Inc. 50
Topic Requirement(s) Commentary
Test
Procedures
National Fire Protection Association, Standard NFPA 45, 2011
8.13.1 When installed or modified and at least annually thereafter, chemical fume
hoods, chemical fume hood exhaust systems, and laboratory special exhaust
systems shall be inspected and tested as applicable, as follows:
(1) Visual inspection of the physical conditions of the hood interior, sash and
ductwork.
(2) Measuring device for hood airflow.
(3) Low airflow and loss-of-airflow alarms at each alarm location.
(4) Face velocity.
(5) Verification of inward airflow over the entire hood face
(6) Changes in work area conditions that might affect hood performance
8.13.3 Chemical fume hood face velocity profile or hood exhaust air quantity shall be
checked after any adjustment to the ventilation system balance.
8.13.4.1 Air system flow detectors, if installed, shall be inspected and tested annually.
A.8.13.1
The operating characteristics of some chemical fume hood designs, particularly
auxiliary air chemical fume hoods, change at intermediate positions of sash height. It
is, therefore, important to verify inward airflow over the face of the hood according to
8.13.1 (5) at several sash heights from full open to closed.
A number of test procedures for verifying performance of chemical fume hoods that
have been installed in the field have been published.
A test procedure is given in Standard on Laboratory Fume Hoods, by the Scientific
Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) that uses a velometer and visible fume
for checking hood performance.
A very detailed standard has been issued by the American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers titled ASHRAE 110, Method of Testing
Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Procedure for Certifying Laboratory Fume
Hoods to Meet EPA Standards contains a test procedure utilizing sulfur hexafluoride
as a test gas.
A.8.13.5.1 The annual inspection of air supply and exhaust fans, motors, and
components should ensure that equipment is clean, dry, tight, and friction-free.
Bearings should be properly lubricated on a regular basis, according to
manufacturers’ recommendations. Protective devices should be checked to ensure
that settings are correct and that ratings have been tested under simulated overload
conditions. Inspections should be made by personnel familiar with the manufacturers
instructions and equipped with proper instruments, gauges, and tools.
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