Chemical fume hoods are an essential engineering control used to capture and exhaust hazardous chemical vapors, aerosols, and particulates. When used properly, they prevent these contaminants from entering the user's breathing zone and reduce the risk of inhalation exposure. A properly functioning fume hood is required when working with many hazardous chemicals. Users should follow important guidelines to ensure safe use of fume hoods.

New chemical fume hood installations are tested by a third party in accordance with the ASHRAE 110 standard. EH&S recertifies chemical fume hoods annually by measuring face velocity, which must be between 80 and 120 linear feet per minute (fpm).

Signs of a malfunctioning chemical fume hood:

• The fume hood alarm is activated.
• There is little or no airflow across the airfoil located at the sill beneath the sash. Airflow can be tested by holding a Kimwipe or thin tissue just below the sash.
• The exhaust motor is not audibly running.
• There is a power outage in the building.

If you suspect that your chemical fume hood is malfunctioning, stop work immediately and do not use the fume hood until it has been repaired and recertified.

1. Close the sash and post the Fume Hood Repair Notice.
2. Contact the Department of Facilities at fmcnotify@fmc.sc.edu or (803) 777-9675 to request repair.
3. After the repairs are completed, contact EH&S at (803) 777-7650 to arrange a recertification.

If any laboratory repairs require work inside or in the immediate vicinity of a chemical fume hood, complete and post the Fume Hood Decontamination Form. After the repairs are completed, contact EH&S at (803) 777-7650 to arrange a recertification.