Fume Hood Calibration Services

Fume hoods are one of the most vital pieces to maintain an effective operation and periodic testing and fume hood calibrations are important to health and safety research.

The team at GL Technologies has established a reputation in the industry that we are proud of. We are known for providing expertise and quality in focusing our efforts in the integrity and calibration of fume hoods for laboratories. We are a team of U.S. trained and certifiedto complete fume hood calibration performance testing in a way that exceeds the ANS/ASHRAE 110 standards. NEBB Certification in Fume Hood Testing offers laboratories, medical and pharmaceutical companies tangible proof of an organization's technical knowledge and competency to test fume hoods for safety and effectiveness. GL Technologies has this ability in a truly comprehensive manner.

To speak with the experts about your fume hood needs, please fill out our online form or give us a call!

858-202-1408

What is Fume Hood Calibration?

Fume hoods play a vital role in properly evacuating materials that might lead to air quality issues and related health effects. To operate a well-balanced face velocity flow it is imperative to ensure adequate chemical removal processes while not over-ventilating at the cost of reconditioning of exhausted air. OSHA recommends utilizing a fume ood or alternate ventilation device (system) when working with volatile substances with a a TLV <50ppm1. GL-Tec is a fume hood certification provider for laboratories and research organizations.

How Often Should Fume Hoods be Tested?

GL Technologies can implement a performance test to reassure you that the hoods perform as they are required and every 18 months. It typically involves an evaluation of the face velocity, sound, containment and tracking ability of a VAV (if applicable).

Importance of Calibration

Calibrating fume hoods involves fine-tuning their performance to ensure they function optimally. This process is critical for several reasons:

Safety

Proper calibration of a fume hood guarantees that fume hoods maintain the required airflow rates, preventing the escape of harmful substances into the lab environment. Inaccurate calibration can lead to a false sense of security, putting lab personnel at risk of chemical exposure and potential health hazards. Regular calibration upholds safety standards while maintaining the reliability of experimental results.

Compliance

Compliance with calibration standards is not only a fundamental aspect of laboratory safety but also a legal requirement for many federal regulations. Failing to calibrate fume hoods properly can lead to potential risks to personnel, compromise experimental outcomes, and result in regulatory penalties. Fume hood calibration is an important practice that guarantees both the safety of laboratory personnel and the integrity of scientific research.

Efficiency

A properly calibrated fume hood not only minimizes potential risks associated with chemical exposure but also improves the workflow by facilitating smooth experimentation processes. With regular calibration, scientists and researchers can have a controlled and stable environment, improving the precision and validity of the research being done.

When and How to Calibrate

Fume hoods should be calibrated at specific intervals, which may vary depending on the type of hood, its usage, and the substances it handles. However, a general guideline is to calibrate annually, or whenever significant changes are made to the hood, such as altering its exhaust system or the chemicals used.

Inspection

The first step in the calibration involves an inspection of the fume hood system. GL-Tec technicians will first verify that all components, including sashes, baffles, and airfoils, are in working order and free from any damage. The interior of the fume hood is examined for any contamination or chemical residue. The airflow velocity and face velocity are measured and compared against the established safety standards with the goal to maintain a secure and reliable lab environment.

Airflow Measurement

The process involves several steps, to start, making sure the fume hood is empty and clean to minimize any airflow disruptions. After this, a baseline airflow rate is established by measuring the face velocity at the sash opening, adjusting the sash to various positions and recording the corresponding velocity readings to evaluate the hood’s performance across its operating range. Verify that the airflow meets safety standards and lab requirements. If needed, we will adjust the hood’s exhaust fan to achieve the desired airflow rate.

Smoke Tests

For the smoke test, a non-toxic, visible smoke generator is used to introduce smoke into the fume hood’s airflow. This allows for the visualization of airflow patterns, making sure that contaminants are drawn into the hood and away from the operator. By observing the movement of smoke and its containment within the hood, our technicians can identify any areas of leakage, which are then addressed to maintain a secure and compliant lab setting.

Alarm System Testing

The alarm system, consisting of visual and auditory indications, need to be checked for proper functionality, making sure it promptly alerts personnel to any deviations from safe operating conditions. At the same time, the safety systems, including automatic sash closure mechanisms, will be evaluated for responsiveness to critical situations such as changes in air velocity.

Documentation

After all the parameters including the airflow velocity are within specified limits and safety standards, the findings will be documented in a comprehensive calibration report, including the date and the technician responsible for the calibration. This documentation is important for safety compliance and for maintaining a well-functioning lab environment.

GL Technologies Capabilities

As a full-service company specializing in equipment calibration, repair, and certification services for biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Our team has extensive experience working with sPRT calibrations along with CMMS software, HPLC OQ validation, and fume hood certifications. Companies of all sizes rely on our team to implement, maintain, and keep their research and manufacturing processes compliant with regulatory standards. Other specialties include building maintenance systems, and mass spectrometry calibrations.