Chemical Fume Hoods

Please reach out to your building operator or OHS on the status of your fume hood. If you would like to view our (not SAP) inspection and work order data, please visit the Chemical Fume Hood SharePoint Site. A UK Link Blue log-in is required.

Please visit the UK Environmental Health & Safety website to locate the Chemical Fume Hood Training.

In accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1450, the chemical fume hood shall be designed to protect laboratory and maintenance employees, ensuring that hazardous chemical vapors originating from laboratory operations are exhausted. The use of variable air volume systems is preferred and can be found across UK campus. Additional requirements supported by ASHRAE and AIHA/ANSI standards include:

• An average air capture velocity of 100 feet per minute (FPM) at the sash.
  • OHS has categories of each airflow range to better help define safety and energy concerns.

• Working sash heights can be set between 12" and 18" height. Factors that depend on height adjustment:
  • The type of experiments being performed in the fume hood
  • The average height of the lab personnel (e.g., a 12" sash may not be most appropriate ergonomically for individuals well above 6' in height.

• The ventilation must be in compliance with the chemicals being executed in the fume hood.
  • i.e., 72% perchloric acid being heated in a fume hood MUST have a compatible fume hood, compatible ductwork material, AND a washdown system installed.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.2 

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5

ANSI/ASHRAE 110

SEFA 1-2010 - Laboratory Fume Hoods 

We are currently working on applying the most recent editions of each standard. This page will update its standards as that happens.

Various purposes for a chemical fume hood can be categorized as high hazard. Some of the high hazard chemical fume hoods are:

• Radioactive hoods
• Perchloric acid hoods
• Reactors and pressure vessels
• Use of large quantities of highly hazardous chemicals and materials

These must be evaluated by the following Environmental Health & Safety Departments in respect to their purview:

• Occupational Health & Safety - use of high hazard operations
• Radiation Safety - radioactive chemical fume hoods

Ductless hoods which filter air (through HEPA or charcoal filters) then discharge the filtered air back into the laboratory may not be used without approval of the directors of Environmental Management and Occupational Health and Safety.