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Enterprise Risk Management
University Policy Manual

Chemical Fume Hood Safety Policy

Policy Category Issuing Authority Responsibility Publication Date Next Review Date
Environmental Health & Safety  Enterprise Risk Management Environmental Health & Safety  06/26/2025 06/26/2028

Policy Statement/Background:

Laboratory-type hoods (chemical fume hoods) are critical safety devices in laboratories, protecting workers when handling hazardous chemicals. According to OSHA’s Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), it is essential that fume hoods are properly maintained and fully functional when in use.

Policy:


A. Training

  1. All chemical fume hood users must complete ELS 002: Lab Safety Chemical Hazards training at the time of initial assessment to the lab.
  2. All users must be familiar with the hazards associated with the chemicals and equipment they are using. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemicals and the equipment’s operation manual for detailed information.
  3. Users must be trained on the proper operation of the fume hood and understand how to use it effectively. Training can be provided by the manufacturer, Principal Investigators, Lab Manager, or individuals responsible for overseeing laboratory spaces.


B. Installation

  1. Consult with Campus Planning, Design, and Construction (CPDC) when selecting and installing chemical fume hoods. Chemical fume hoods must be designed and/or designed approved by CPDC.
  2. Chemical fume hoods must be installed away from high-traffic areas, air supply/exhaust diffusers, doors, and operable windows.


C. Flow Measuring Devices

New or remodeled hoods must be equipped with a permanently installed airflow monitor that includes a digital face velocity display, along with both audible and visual alarms.


D. Chemical Fume Hood Inspections

  1. EH&S coordinates the annual inspection and retesting of chemical fume hoods.
  2. Fume hoods must be inspected in the following situations:
      • Upon installation prior to utilization
      • At least annually
      • Whenever a chemical fume hood has been modified
      • Whenever modifications are made to the exhaust system connected to the hood
      • Whenever use is resumed after hibernation.
  3. The effectiveness of a fume hood depends heavily on the face velocity—the rate at which air is drawn in. The face velocity must fall within the range of 80 to 150 feet per minute (FPM). If the velocity is less than 70 FPM or more than 160 FPM, the hood will fail inspection.
  4. Inform EH&S if you are using with a High Performance (Low Velocity) fume hood or any other ducted enclosure used for working with nanomaterials, as the face velocity requirements may vary.


E. Chemical Fume Hood Repair Procedures

  1. In case of a malfunctioning chemical fume hood (e.g., improper airflow or failure to maintain the correct flow rate):
    1. User Responsibility
      1. Immediately stop all work in the hood.
      2. Report the issue promptly to:
        • Supervisor, Building Manager or Lab Director
        • Physical Plant (West Campus 2-6400; East Campus 4-2400 or submit a work request in the FIXIT system)
      3. Inform others in the area that the fume hood is out of service. Post a “Do Not Use” sign to enforce this (Appendix 1).
      4. Seal and remove any chemicals and equipment from the fume hood, as access may be restricted during repairs.
      5. Work with the supervisor and other departments to arrange for alternate hoods or postpone work until repairs are completed.
      6. The hood must not be used until it has been repaired, retested, and cleared for use by EH&S.
    2. Physical Plant Responsibilities
      1. Investigate outage through a review of the entire system (e.g., motor, belts, fan unit and electrical connections).
      2. Notify the users, the affected Building Manager/ Lab Director and EH&S that a hood problem exists and give them an estimated time for repair.
    3. EH&S Responsibilities
      1. Coordinate the annual inspection and retesting of chemical fume hood and share the test results with the building managers or laboratory directors.
      2. Post the “Do Not Use” sign, if not already done.
      3. Assist in the communication between Physical Plant and users regarding the status of investigation or repair.
      4. Reevaluate user's hood after repairs are made. If acceptable, provide clearance for use.
    4. Building Manager or Lab Director Responsibilities
      1. Share the annual inspection results with Principal Investigators, Supervisors, or individuals responsible for overseeing laboratory spaces.
      2. Post “Do Not Use” signs for hoods that fail the test if users have not already done so.
      3. Assist the users in reporting the issue to Physical Plant.
  2. If the light bulb in the chemical fume hood is broken, submit a work request in the FIXIT system.
  3. If the fume hood’s structural integrity is compromised (e.g., broken sash glass or missing parts like utility side panels, baffles, or the air foil), contact the manufacturer or an external vendor for repairs. The cost will be the responsibility of the Principal Investigator, Lab Manager, or any individual with direct oversight of the laboratory or department.
  4. The removal of any fume hood must be approved in advance through consultation with the Building Manager/Lab Director, Physical Plant, and EH&S.


F. Work Practice

  1. Always verify that the fume hood is turned on and is functioning properly before use.
      • Check the "Certification of Performance" sticker for the last inspection date. Ensure the date is within the past year; if it exceeds a year, contact EH&S.
      • Ensure the air gauge shows airflow within the required range (80-150 FPM).
  2. Keep the sash at the lowest possible position that still allows you to perform your experiment, typically between 12 to 18 inches, as indicated by the arrows on the frame. Never allow your head to enter the plane of the hood opening. For horizontal and combination sash hoods, minimize the opening and work with one sash positioned directly in front of the user.
  3. Label special-use hoods (e.g., high performance fume hood, for perchloric acid or radioactive materials).
  4. The use of diluted acids at room temperature is generally permitted in most chemical fume hoods. However, processes such as acid digestion, heating acids, or working with concentrated acids—such as hydrofluoric acid (HF), aqua regia, nitric acid, or piranha solutions—may require an acid-resistant hood and ductwork. Please contact EH&S and CPDC to evaluate these requirements.
  5. Ensure that nothing blocks the airflow through the baffles or through the baffle exhaust slots.
  6. Elevate large equipment (e.g., a centrifuge) at least two inches above the base of the hood interior to balance airflow under and around the equipment.
  7. Keep materials inside the hood at least six inches from the sash opening.
  8. Avoid quick movement in front of the hood, such as rapidly opening or closing the sash, or performing swift arm and body motions near or inside the hood. These actions can cause turbulence and compromise the fume hood's ability to contain fumes effectively.
  9. Close the sash when not in use.
  10. Do not store chemicals inside the hood permanently.
  11. Do not modify fume hood, such as remove the sash or panels, unless you perform setup work with no hazardous chemicals involved. This action must be approved by EH&S and the Principal Investigator, Lab Manager, or individuals responsible for overseeing laboratory spaces.
  12. Do not drill into panels of a fume hood.
  13. Never use a chemical fume hood for waste disposal via evaporation.
  14. Do not spray paint inside a chemical fume hood. Perform spray painting only in designated spray booths or spraying areas.
  15. Do not use chemical fume hoods for working with biological materials unless it is specifically designed for that purpose. Biological safety cabinet (BSC)s are the standard devices used to provide containment of hazardous biological agents and toxins when conducting microbiological activities.
  16. Ductless fume hoods are not an acceptable alternative for ventilated fume hoods, as they do not effectively remove certain hazardous contaminants from the workplace. The use of ductless fume hoods must be approved by EH&S following a hazard review and risk assessment. 


G. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear appropriate PPE based on the hazards involved, including goggles, gloves, lab coats, etc.

Definitions:

  • Biological safety cabinet (BSC): a filtered and/or exhausted device that is intended for use with biological agents and not for chemical use.
  • Diffuser: usually a ceiling-mounted grid. An exhaust or outlet diffuser allows continuous removal of air from the room, and a supply or inlet diffuser allows continuous replacement of refresh air.
  • Ductless, recirculated, or filtered hood: a limited-application fume hood that is not connected to laboratory ventilation. A ductless hood incorporates an exhaust fan and exhaust filters as an integral part of the design and discharges the exhaust directly back into the room after passing the air through a single filter or a combination of the particulate and chemical adsorption filters.
  • Face velocity: the average speed of air flowing perpendicular to the face opening and into the fume hood chamber. The face velocity is the calculated average of the multiple velocity reading points at the plane of the sash and is expressed in feet per minute (fpm) or meters per second (m/s).
  • High performance (low velocity) fume hood: designed for optimal energy conservation with advanced airflow and containment features, they allow for safe operation at lower face velocity set points than typical chemistry fume hoods.
  • Laboratory-type Hood (Chemical Fume Hood): a device located in a laboratory, enclosure on five sides with a movable sash or fixed partial enclosed on the remaining side; constructed and maintained to draw air from the laboratory and to prevent or minimize the escape of air contaminants into the laboratory; and allows chemical manipulations to be conducted in the enclosure without insertion of any portion of the employee's body other than hands and arms. Walk-in hoods with adjustable sashes meet the above definition provided that the sashes are adjusted during use so that the airflow and the exhaust of air contaminants are not compromised, and employees do not work inside the enclosure during the release of airborne hazardous chemicals.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): articles of protective equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. PPE reduces employee exposure when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective for reducing employee exposure.

Contact:

Additional information about this policy is available here:

Environmental Health and Safety
110 Suffolk Hall
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 632-6410

Relevant Standards, Codes, Rules, Regulations, Statutes and Policies:

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