Irvine Fume Hood Certification

Specializing in fume hood certification for biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical organizations throughout the Irvine region, GL Technologies has extensive experience working with clients with laboratory equipment calibration and certification services. One important spect of laboratory safety is the proper functioning and certification of fume hoods. These pieces of equipment play an important role in protecting laboratory personnel and maintaining the integrity of sensitive experiments. Our goal is to help our clients protect their employees along with keeping them compliant with strict regulatory standards.

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What is a Fume Hood?

A fume hood, also known as a fume cupboard or fume cabinet, is a ventilation device designed to limit exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes, vapors, or dusts. It consists of an enclosed workspace with an exhaust system that draws air away from the user and safely expels it outside the laboratory or through filtration systems.

Importance of Fume Hood Certification

Safety Compliance

Biopharma laboratories deal with various hazardous substances, including volatile chemicals and biological agents. Fume hood certification verifies that these hoods are effectively containing and removing such hazards and protecting laboratory personnel from exposure risks.

Laboratory Efficiency

Properly certified fume hoods operate efficiently, maintaining consistent airflow and containment performance. This allows researchers to work without hindrance, maintaining reliable results and minimizing experimental errors.

Compliance with Regulatory Standards

Biopharma laboratories are subject to strict regulations set forth by agencies such as the FDA and EMA. Fume hood certification demonstrates adherence to these regulatory standards, providing assurance to stakeholders and regulatory bodies that safety protocols are in place.

Preservation of Product Integrity

For biopharma and pharma laboratories, the integrity of experiments, samples, and products is of utmost importance. Certified fume hoods prevent contamination and cross-contamination, preserving the purity and reliability of research outcomes and pharmaceutical products.

Protecting the Environment

Effective fume hood certification not only protects laboratory personnel but also prevents the release of harmful substances into the environment. By containing and properly ventilating hazardous materials, certified fume hoods contribute to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

The Certification Process

Initial Inspection

The initial inspection stage of the fume hood certification process is important for verifying the safety and efficiency of laboratory operations. The GL technicians will examine the structural integrity, airflow, and containment capabilities of the fume hood, adhering to established protocols and safety standards. We inspect for any visible signs of damage or wear, evaluating the functionality of the sash and airflow monitors, and verify proper ventilation and exhaust systems. Along with this, calibration checks are performed on airflow meters and alarms to guarantee accurate measurements. Through our comprehensive examination, potential issues are identified and addressed quickly, laying the foundation for a thorough certification process that prioritizes the protection of laboratory personnel and the environment.

Airflow Verification

Central to this process is airflow verification, which our team evaluates the effectiveness of the fume hood in containing and removing hazardous fumes and vapors. Through testing procedures including smoke visualization and tracer gas measurements, the GL-Tec technicians evaluate the airflow patterns within the hood to confirm adequate containment and exhaust. Measurements of face velocity at various points across the sash opening are conducted to validate uniform airflow distribution. By verifying airflow, fume hood certification not only upholds safety protocols but also protects the integrity of experimental procedures and protects laboratory personnel.

Containment Testing

The containment testing phase typically includes various evaluations, including face velocity measurements, tracer gas tests, and smoke visualization techniques, all aimed at evaluating the hood's ability to effectively contain hazardous fumes. Through examination and analysis, the GL Technologies technicians verify compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, identifying any potential leaks or deficiencies in containment performance.

Alarm Testing

Alarm testing is an important part of this certification, serving as a vital measure to guarantee the functionality of safety systems within the fume hood. During alarm testing, various parameters such as airflow velocity, face velocity, and containment are assessed to meet compliance with industry standards and regulations. Alarm systems are evaluated to understand their responsiveness to critical situations such as airflow disruptions or hazardous material leaks which protects laboratory personnel and prevents potential accidents.

Documentation

Upon completion, comprehensive records of routine inspections, maintenance schedules, and any necessary repairs or modifications must be maintained. Calibration records for instruments measuring airflow velocity and containment efficiency will be documented. Any deviations from established safety standards or incidents will be documented promptly, along with the corrective actions taken. The documentation will not only meet adherence to safety protocols but also facilitate traceability and accountability, helping your organization create a culture of safety and compliance within the lab environments.

Fume Hood Frequently Asked Questions

Why is fume hood certification important in biopharma laboratories?

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.

What is the purpose of fume hood certification in maintaining laboratory safety?

Fume hood certification maintains laboratory safety to verify the proper functioning and effectiveness of these safety devices. Fume hoods are important in laboratories to control and contain hazardous fumes, vapors, and particles that are generated during experiments or chemical processes. Certification involves a series of inspections and tests of the fume hood’s performance including airflow velocity so lab personnel can have confidence that these safety devices provide a safe working environment to protect employees from harmful substances.

How much does it cost to make a fume hood?

Generally, the cost for fume hood certification is a few thousand dollars per fume hood but can vary depending on a few factors such as the size of the laboratory, the number of fume hoods to be certified, and the specific requirements of the certification process. It’s important to contact local professionals that specialize in fume hood certification for accurate and up to date pricing information for a biopharma laboratory. The team at GL Technologies specializes in fume hood certificatoin for laboratories throughout the San Diego region.

What is a Class 1 fume hood?

A Class 1 fume hood is a ventilation system that is designed to protect laboratory workers and the surrounding environment from hazardous fumes, vapors, and harmful particles that are generated during experiments and chemical processes. The airflow in a Class 1 fume hood is directed away from the lab operator, creating a negative pressure zone within the hood which captures and contains potentially harmful substances.

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.

Key Articles and Education

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.

Fume Hood Certification Best Practices in BioPharma

In the bustling world of BioPharma, where innovation and discovery are at the forefront, ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel and maintaining regulatory compliance are paramount. Among the myriad of safety measures in place, fume hoods stand out as a critical component for protecting researchers from hazardous substances. These enclosed workspaces help to contain and remove harmful fumes, vapors, and dust, safeguarding both the environment and the individuals working within it. However, to ensure their effectiveness, proper certification and maintenance of fume hoods are essential. In this blog, we delve into the best practices for fume hood certification within the BioPharma industry.

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.

Benefits of Certified Fume Hoods

Safety

By creating a controlled airflow system that captures and expels harmful substances away from the workspace, they significantly reduce the risk of exposure to toxic or volatile chemicals, promoting a secure and healthy laboratory atmosphere for researchers and technicians alike.

Compliance

By investing in certified fume hoods, laboratories and industrial facilities can mitigate risks associated with exposure to toxic substances, protect the health and safety of personnel, and adhere to legal requirements and industry standards.

Reliability

With a certified fume hood, researchers and technicians can conduct experiments and handle chemicals with peace of mind, knowing that the equipment reliably maintains containment, mitigating risks of exposure and accidents. This reliability not only enhances safety protocols but also fosters a conducive environment for precise scientific work, ultimately contributing to the advancement of research and innovation.

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. We also help Irvine companies with IQ OQ PQ services and HPLC calibration and repair and building maintenance systems.