Fume Hood Certification

In the biopharmaceutical research industry, fume hoods play a critical role in protecting laboratory works, researchers, and the laboratory environment from hazardous fumes, vapors, and particles. To verify the effectiveness of these safety devices, fume hood certification is required to provide safety, compliance, and optimal performance. As an ISO 17025 certified company, the team at GL technologies works with biopharmaceutical and related industries to provide fume hood certification to make sure the system is working properly and both employees and the surrounding environment are safe. As experts in the industry, organization's of all sizes rely on the professionals at GL Technologies to keep their organizations compliant, the research accurate, and the employees safe.

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Why Fume Hood Certification Matters

Safety of Personnel and the Environment

Fume hoods act as a line of defense against exposure to hazardous substances. These substances can include VOCs (volatile organic compounds), tox chemicals, biohazards, or radioactive materials that are commonly found in biopharmaceutical labs. With fume hood certification, organizations can verify that the devices are functioning properly and maintaining the required levels of containment and minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful agents for lab personnel and the environment.

Regulatory Compliance

Because the biopharm industry has to meet and maintain strict regulations and guidelines set forth by the FDA, fume hoods are considered engineering controls that contribue to compliance with these regulations. Regular certification of fume hoods helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to following industry requirements, thereby avoiding penalties and legal issues.

Performance and Efficiency

Fume hoods are complex systems that require regular maintenance and calibration so they are working at the top performance required. Certification involves a thorough evaluation of various factors including airflow velocity, containment efficiency, face velocity, and alarm systems. By certifying fume hoods, organization's can identify any issues or inefficiencies quickly and take corrective measures. This verifies that the fume hoods operate at their peak performance and maintain the required airflow and containment levels while minimizing energy consumption.

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The Fume Hood Certification Process

Fume hood certification involves a comprehensive series of tests which include the following:

Airflow Velocity Measurement

An important parameter that is tested is the airflow velocity within the fume hood. The measurement of airlfow velocity is important as it directly affects the containment of hazardous substances. By using instruments such as anemoeters, the GL technicians will measure and analyze the airflow velocity at different points within the fume hood. This evaluation verifies that the fume hood maintains the required air velocity to effectively capture and exhaust harmful fumes, guaranteeing a secuire working environment for lab workers and minimizing exposure risks.

Containment Testing

A vital component of this process is containment testing, which focuses on evaluating the hood's ability to contain hazardous fumes and protect researchers and lab workers. During containment testing, various parameters are examined including face velocity, airflow patterns, and leakage to verify compliance with safety standards. By conducting containment testing, lab personnel can confidently rely on certified fume hoods, creating a secure and controlled working environment that minimizes exposure to hazardous substances.

Alarm and Safety System Check

The technicians at GL Technologies will inspect the fume hood's alarm systems, verifying that they are in proper working condition and capable of detecting hazardous fumes or excessive airflow fluctuations. We assess the performance of safety features such as sash position indicators, emergency shutdown mechanisms, and airflow monitors. Tests are conducted to verify that the fume hood meets industry standards and guidelines including smoke tests to evaluate the hood's containment capabilities. This certification process guarantees that the fume hood operates properly and minimizes the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.

Documentation and Compliance

The documentation process includes a series of steps, starting with the initial assessment of the fume hood's installation and functionality. This is followed by testing and inspection to verify its performance including airflow velocity, containment efficiency, and alarm functionality. All measurements and observations are recorded, along with any necessary repairs or adjustments. This documentation process concludes with the issuance of a certification report that outlines the fume hood's compliance with established safety standards, providing lab personnel with confidence in its reliable operation and protection against hazardous fumes.

As experts in fume hood certification GL-Tec has become one of California's premier fume hood certification providers proudly serving clients throughout California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is fume hood certification important?

Fume hood certification is important for laboratory safety and maintaining a healthy lab environment. Fume hoods are pieces of equipment that protect laboratory workers from hazardous fumes, vapors, and gases that are generated during experiments or chemical processes. Certification involves conducting regular tests and inspections to verify the hood’s performance. By certifying fume hoods, biopharma organizations can identify potential issues including inadequate air flow which can compromise worker safety and experiments.

How often should fume hoods be certified?

Fume hoods should be certified annually or semi-annually depending on the specific regulations set forth by governing bodies. Regular certification allows for identification of any issues or malfunctions and maintaining reliability of fume hood systems.

What are the requirements for fume hood certification?

The specific requirements vary on the regulations and standards in a given industry. In general, the certification process involves assessing factors including airflow velocity and direction, containment, face velocity, alarm systems, and emergency procedures. Regular maintenance and periodic re-certification are necessary to provide continued compliance and performance of the fume hood.

Can a fume hood be used if it fails the certification tests?

No, a fume hood should not be used if it fails certification tests. If a fume hood fails certification tests, it indicates that the hood may not contain and exhaust hazardous fumes, putting the health and safety of lab personnel at risk. It can lead to potential exposure to harmful substances, violate regulatory requirements, and compromise experiments.

Are there different types of fume hood certifications?

Yes, there are different types of fume hood certifications available for safe and effective operation of laboratory devices. The most common fume hood certifications include ASHRAE 110 test, the EN 14175 standard, and the SEFA 1-2010 standard. ASHRAE 110 tests the containment performance of fume hoods by measuring the concentration of tracer gas within the hood. EN 14175 provides guidelines for the design, installation, and operation of fume cupboards. And the SEFA 1-2010 focuses on the performance requirements and testing procedures for lab fume hoods.

How do you certify a chemical fume hood?

There are a series of tests and inspections to certify a fume hood to make sure its functionality and safety are performing as needed. The process starts with a visual examination of the hood’s condition including construction, seals, sashes, and ventilation. Next, airflow measurements are tested to verify the fume hood maintains an adequate face velocity to contain and exhaust hazardous substances. Smoke tests may be performed to visualize the airflow patterns and identify leaks. The fume hood alarms should also be tested to alert personnel in case of a leak. After all tests have been performed documentation will be made to certify the fume hood.

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The Role of Fume Hood Certification in Biopharma Laboratories

Biopharmaceutical laboratories play an important role in advancing medical science by developing innovative drugs, vaccines, and therapies. Within these labs, strict safety measures are important to protect both researchers and the environment. Among the various safety equipment used, fume hoods stand as an essential component. Their certification and regular maintenance are crucial to maintain a safe working environment conducive to high-quality research and development.

Innovations in Fume Hood Technology for Pharmaceutical Industries

Pharmaceutical industries operate within a fine balance of innovation and safety. As advancements in pharmaceutical research and production continue to accelerate, so must the technologies that maintain the safety of workers and the integrity of the products being developed. One important aspect of this safety infrastructure is fume hood technology. Fume hoods play a vital role in protecting laboratory personnel from harmful fumes, vapors, and particulates, protecting both human health and the quality of pharmaceutical compounds. In recent years, significant innovations have emerged in fume hood design and functionality, offering improved performance, efficiency, and versatility to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

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.