Most fume hoods and other laboratory ventilation equipment are tested every six months by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. Biosafety Cabinets and vertical wet benches are tested annually by an outside contractor.

Environmental Health & Safety's testing schedule can be found at:

The testing is performed as follows using an air velocity meter:

Fume Hood

The face velocity of air being drawn into the unit at a given sash height is measured in feet per minute (FPM). An average of 100 FPM is an ideal velocity for fume hoods in a laboratory.

Depending on the size of the fume hood, between 9 and 18 measurements are taken to determine the average face velocity. When a fume hood's face velocity is satisfactory, a yellow certification sticker is placed on the left side of the fume hood. The information on the sticker includes the following information:

The type of work the fume hood is approved for:

Storage only

General chemistry

Radioisotopes

Carcinogen or toxic chemical work

Approved sash height, indicated by the arrow on the certification sticker

Face velocity

Date of inspection

Initials of person inspecting hood

Expiration date

Ventilation Equipment (Trunks, Snorkels, Ducts, Vent Hoods, etc.)

The face velocity of air being drawn into the unit is measured in feet per minute (FPM). The required face velocity depends on the type of ventilation equipment and its use. Contact EHS for information on the required face velocity.

The type of work the unit is approved for:

Storage only

General chemistry

Radioisotopes

Carcinogen or toxic chemical work

Face Velocity

Date of inspection

Initials of person inspecting hood

Expiration date

If the fume hood or ventilation equipment fails the test, the unit is tagged out with a yellow out-of-service sign. Fume hood sashes are completely closed. EHS contacts the Facilities Help Desk and submits a work request to have the unit repaired by the HVAC Shop. EHS will retest the unit when notified of the repair by either the HVAC Shop or the user.

Example of a completed certification sticker.

Contact EHS if the fume hood in your lab has not been tested within the last six months, or if you feel that the fume hood is not operating properly due to one of the following reasons: