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Design Criteria for Laboratories

Institution Guidelines For Laboratory Safety Equipment (Recommended Practices)

G-I. FUME HOODS

  1. Hood identification

    It is recommended that all fume hoods be numbered for ease of tracking, for certifications and repair work. Penthouse or mechanical chase ducts and roof exhaust fans should also be labeled. This is especially helpful in finding the right roof fan unit and/or duct when attempting to make an adjustment or repair. Weather- resistant labeling for roof fans is best.

  2. Hood certification

    Fume hoods should receive annual certification to assure they are performing properly. If airflow is found below the acceptable range (80-120 fpm with sash open at 18 inches), hoods should be removed from service until required airflow is re-established. Other problems noted should be reported for correction when discovered.

  3. Hood use

    1. Work surfaces should be kept clean and clear when hood is not in use. All objects should be kept inset at least 6 inches behind the sash.
    2. Large equipment used in a hood should be raised an inch or more off the hood base to allow airflow under it.
    3. When using a perchloric acid hood, the wash-down system should be used prior to using perchloric acid within the hood.

    4. Spills and residues within a hood should be cleaned up promptly.

  4. Hood storage

    1. Fume hoods shall not be used primarily for the storage of chemicals or for evaporating chemicals from containers.
    2. The use of shelving within a hood is recommended to enhance design airflow within the hood by letting air exhaust more readily from the rear interior openings to the duct.

    3. Contents within a hood should not block rear openings at any level. Baffles should not be completely closed off.

G-II. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS

  1. Cabinet Numbering and Tracking

    It is recommended that all biological safety cabinets (BSC) and laminar flow benches

    (LFB) be numbered, listed, and tracked continuously during their use life by the owning institution.

  2. Cabinet Certification

    Annual recertification is required, or whenever a BSC or LFB is moved to another location (within or out of the same room), or after a repair. Only accredited certifiers should perform this work. It is recommended that certifier credentials be obtained and filed for reference.

  3. Open flames

    Open flame devices within a BSC create a potential for fire and should not be used in a BSC.

  4. Maintenance work

    All repairs made on BSCs should be made by a qualified technician. Any malfunction in the operation of the BSC should be reported and repaired before the BSC is used again.

G-III. EMERGENCY SAFETY SHOWERS

  1. Annual Flushing

    All safety showers should be flushed clean at least annually.

  2. Tagging

    Safety showers should be tagged for continuous proof of servicing.

G-IV. EYEWASH UNITS

  1. Annual Check

    Eyewash units should be checked annually for proper valve operation, nozzle restrictions, filters condition and pressure adjustment.

  2. Weekly Flushing

    Departments should flush eyewash units weekly to maintain a clean line.

  3. Tagging

    Eyewash units should be tagged for continuous proof of service.

  4. Filters Replacement

    Filter replacement is optional. Rusty, moldy, or disintegrating filters should be removed and discarded.

G-V. COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

  1. Cylinder Storage

    Except for one spare (for each gas), extra cylinders shall not be staged or left in laboratory units, as defined in NFPA Code 45.8.1.6.3, but must be kept out of the laboratory unit until ready for hook-up.

  2. Cylinder Compatibility

    Cylinders must be compatibly stored or separated within appropriate fire barriers.