2.1.2 Fume Hood Inspection and Testing Program
Annual fume hood testing is performed by Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) to verify ongoing performance and compliance with applicable ventilation standards. After each annual inspection, an inspection sticker is affixed to the fume hood indicating the date of the most recent test. If a hood does not meet performance criteria, a warning tag or sign will be placed on the hood indicating that it should not be used until corrective actions are completed.
When a hood is identified as unacceptable, the building coordinator and responsible facilities personnel are notified. They coordinate repair efforts and communicate with affected laboratory groups regarding temporary use of alternate hoods, if needed.
For details on fume hood operation, annual testing, and user expectations, see the Laboratory Ventilation page. For questions or concerns, contact askEHS .
If your fume hood does not have an inspection sticker, or if the sticker indicates that more than one year has passed since the last inspection, please notify your building coordinator or FCS so that testing can be scheduled. Users may also contact EHS for questions related to hood safety or laboratory ventilation practices.
Annual fume hood performance testing conducted by FCS typically includes:
- Measurement of average face velocity to verify compliance with ANSI/AIHA Z9.5;
- A visual performance check referencing ASHRAE 110 qualitative indicators;
- Verification of basic airflow conditions and general room pressurization;
- A housekeeping and utilization review to identify obstructions, improper storage, or practices that may affect performance.
The Hood Housekeeping Score (HHS) is used to document the general condition and use of the hood, with higher scores indicating more significant concerns. The scoring system is:
| Hood Housekeeping Score (HHS) | Reason for Concern |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hood hibernated (intentionally out of service) |
| 2 | Hood in use, organized, minimal clutter |
| 3 | Hood on but empty or being used for storage |
| 4 | Hood in use with significant clutter or competing activities |
| 5 | Hood in use with contamination concerns |
| 6 | Hood decommissioned or removed from service |