The Chemical Hygiene Plan shall include . . . criteria that the employer will use to determine and implement control measures to limit employee exposure to hazardous chemicals, including . . . engineering controls . . . [It shall include] a requirement that fume hoods and other protective equipment are functioning properly and specific measures that shall be taken to ensure proper and adequate performance of such equipment.

6.2 - Chemistry Department Implementation of the OSHA Requirement
Engineering controls provide a safe physical lab environment. They are expected to be in place at all times. OSHA specifically cites hoods, which are discussed here in section 6. Section 7 addresses other engineering controls mandated but not specified by OSHA.

6.3 - Lab Ventilation
General laboratory ventilation must operate continuously to provide a source of air for input to local ventilation devices (make-up air). In general, a change of room air four to twelve times per hour is adequate. The ventilation system directs air flow into the laboratory from non-laboratory areas and out to the exterior of the building. General laboratory ventilation should not be relied on for protection from toxic substances.

6.4 - University Fume Hood Policy
EHS Policy 4-5 applies with respect to design and failure protocols [22]. The EHS Chemical Hygiene Officer will arrange for annual hood inspections and follow-up.

6.5 - Guidelines for Use of Hoods

a. A worker should not lean into the hood so that his/her head is inside the plane of the hood face, except for setup work or hood maintenance.
b. Equipment in the hood should not block airflow to slots in the baffle.
c. Flammable liquids should not be stored permanently in the cabinet under the hood unless that cabinet meets the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 30 and 45 [23] for this type of storage.
d. The hood sash or panels should not be removed except as necessary for set-up and should be replaced as soon as practicable.
e. The hood sash or panels should be closed to the maximum position possible while still allowing comfortable working conditions.
f. Each hood must be posted with a notice giving the date of the last periodic field test. If the hood failed the performance test, it should be taken out of service until repaired or posted with a restricted use notice. The notice should state the partially closed sash position necessary and any other requisite precautions concerning the type of work and materials permitted or prohibited.
g. During Physical Plant maintenance outages, hoods must not be used for their normal function.

6.6 - Hood Failure Procedures

a. Immediately stop all work in the hood.
b. If possible, stabilize reactions and turn off equipment (for example, hot plates).
c. Report the problem to:

i. The PI.
ii. The Director of Laboratories and/or the Building Manager.
iii. Physical Plant (2-6400).
iv. Environmental Health and Safety (2-6410).

d. Notify others in the area and on additional shifts that the hood is not operating and cannot be used. This may be done by posting the hood with a sign. This must be strictly enforced.
e. Seal off any opened/exposed containers of chemical or radioactive materials currently under the hood, or remove any supplies or equipment which may be required, as access to hood may be denied due to repair.
f. Work with the PI either to arrange for the use of other hoods which are operating properly or to postpone work until repairs are made.
g. Do not use the hood until it is re-tested and approved for use by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

References:

[21] Section 6 is adapted from the Stony Brook University CHP pp 35-38.

[22] Environmental Health and Safety <http://www.ehs.sunysb.edu/ policies main campus laboratory hood safety > accessed October 00.

[23] National Fire Protection Agency, Standard 45 on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, 2000 Edition.