Orange County Fume Hood Certification

For Orange County pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, safety and compliance are vital. From research laboratories to production facilities, pharmaceutical companies operate in environments where hazardous substances are commonplace. In these industries, verifying the safety of personnel and maintaining regulatory compliance is required. The trained personnel at GL Technologies specialize in fume hood certification services for clients throughout Orange County region. Our extensive experience working with pharmaceutical companies allows us to keep our clients research activities safe while maintaining compliance.

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

858-202-1408

Understanding Fume Hoods in Labs

Fume hoods are vital engineering controls designed to protect laboratory personnel and the environment from harmful fumes, gases, and vapors generated during various processes. In pharmaceutical settings, where the handling of potent compounds and hazardous chemicals is routine, fume hoods play an important role in minimizing risks associated with exposure.

Importance of Certification

Certification of fume hoods is not merely a procedural formality; it is a critical component of laboratory safety protocols. Certification verifies that fume hoods operate effectively, maintaining proper airflow and containment capabilities. This is achieved through testing procedures conducted by the certified professionals at GL Technologies.

Compliance with Regulations

Pharmaceutical facilities are subject to strict regulations governing occupational safety and environmental protection. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory and failure to adhere can result in severe consequences, including fines, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Fume hood certification is often a prerequisite for regulatory compliance, as it demonstrates a commitment to safety and adherence to industry standards.

Performance and Reliability

Regular certification of fume hoods is essential to verify their performance and reliability. Over time, factors including wear and tear, improper maintenance, and changes in laboratory conditions can compromise the effectiveness of fume hoods. Certification tests evaluate various parameters, including face velocity, containment efficiency, and airflow patterns, to make sure that fume hoods meet specified criteria for safe operation.

Minimizing Risks

The pharmaceutical industry deals with a diverse range of chemicals, many of which pose inherent risks to human health and the environment. Fume hoods provide a critical line of defense against these risks by containing hazardous substances and preventing their escape into the surrounding environment. Certified fume hoods offer assurance that adequate measures are in place to minimize these risks effectively.

Safety Assurance

Fume hoods are designed to contain and exhaust harmful gases, vapors, and particulate matter generated during laboratory procedures. Certification validates that the fume hood operates according to industry standards and is capable of effectively capturing and removing hazardous substances, which minimizes the risk of exposure to lab personnel. This assurance of safety is important in pharmaceutical labs where the handling of potent compounds and toxic chemicals is routine.

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.

Why GL-Tec?

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.

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

858-202-1408

REQUEST A QUOTE

To request a quote from GL-Tec, please fill out our online form and we will get back to you promptly.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN