San Diego Fume Hood Certification

Research facilities and laboratories throughout San Diego understand that fume hoods play a vital role in maintaining a safe and effective operation. Fume hood certification and fume hood calibrations play an extremely important role in research. The team at GL Technologies provides fume hood certifications and calibration services for companies throughout the San Diego and have become a trusted provider for fume hood certifications. Chemical fume hoods should be tested and certified on an annual basis, complete ASHRAE 110 testing is recommend by GL-Tec to be performed on new fume hoods and when changes are made to existing fume hoods.

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

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Fume Hoods - BioSafety Cabinets

When the experts at GL-Tec provide fume hood certification testing, the testing consists of an inflow velocity profile test & smoke containment & visualization tests. We recommend these tests are done annually as part of the overall chemical safety management program for the laboratory or research facility.

Fume Hood Testing and Certification is Performed in Accordance with NSF 49, which includes:

Inflow velocity testing
Downflow velocity testing
HEPA filter integrity testing
Smoke pattern testing
Site installation testing

Fume Hood Tests to be Performed

Here are a few of the tests our team will perform for San Diego fume hood certification

Airflow Velocity Testing

GL Technologies will measure the air velocity within the fume hood by checking how effective the hood's containment capabilities are, which is important to control and minimize exposure to hazardous fumes, vapors, and particles. The airflow velocity testing involves specialized instruments that measure the airflow velocity to see if it meets the required standards and guidelines for your laboratory's research. With accurate velocity testing, this will add a layer of protection for both the laboratory employees and working environment. The test measures the speed at the point air enters a fume hood's opening and a general recommendation is the hood's opening velocity (face velocity), should be between 0.3 m/s (60 fpm) and 0.5 m/s (100 fpm).

Variable Air Volume Speed & Response

The variable air volume (VAV) speed and response testing involves evaluating the performance of the fume hood's ventilation system by focusing on the airflow control mechanism. By measuring the speed and response time of the variable air volume system, our technicians can verify that the fume hood has the necessary air balance and is able to adjust the airflow to match the environmental conditions in the workspace. This testing procedure will increase laboratory safety and maintain the validity of experiments and research that is being done within the controlled laboratory environment.

Smoke Visualization Test

The smoke visualization test is performed to check how fume hood's performance in controlling hazardous fumes, vapors, and gases. During the test, non-toix smoke is released near the opening of teh fume hood, allowing our technicians to visually observe the direction and flow of the smoke. With this observation of the smoke's movement and its containment within the hood, any air leaks or inadequate airflow will be identified easily and the necessary changes can be fixed to safeguarded the health and safety of laboratory personnel.

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Types of Fume Hoods for Certification

Bypass Fume Hoods

Bypass fume hoods are designed with a unique airflow configuration hat allows for a controlled flow of air with the ability to contain harmful substances. Because of a bypass mechanism, bypass fume hoods maintain a constant face velocity, even when the sash is adjusted or slightly open, preventing dangerous gases and vapors from escaping. The design of tehse fume hoods also offers energy efficiency by minimizing the air volume require for ventilation, which results in lower energy consumption.

Variable Air Volume Fume Hood

Unlike traditional fume hoods, variable air volume fume hoods incorporate sensors and controls to regulate the volume of air that is extracted based on "real-time" conditions within the hood. This type of fume hood system adjusts airflow to maintain a safe working environment by reponding to changes in the sash position and chemical fume levels. It will reduce airflow when the sash is closed or when the fume levels are low while providing lower energy consumption, lower operational costs, and improving the laboratory's air quality.

Add Air Fume Hoods

These are used as an alternative to bypass fume hoods. When there is not enough air supply available for air filtration, outside air is added through the pleneum and provide up to 70% of the hood exhaust requirements, while minimizing conditioned room air required.

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

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.

Fume Hood 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.

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. GL Technologies also serves laboratories throughout the Orange County area.