Fume Hood
The Fume Hood Program provides a system for complying with the requirements of the applicable regulatory standards. The program defines the procedures for:
- Testing the face velocity/inward flow;
- Indicating the proper working sash height;
- Evaluating the various components of a fume hood;
- Reporting deficiencies and repair requests;
- Newly installed fume hood, as part of new construction or renovation;
- CSUN fume hood user training in:
- General hood purpose
- Airflow characteristics
- Potential for turbulent airflow and escape of hazardous substances from the hood
- Safe use of the hood and its features
- Performance testing
- Quantitative airflow monitor or alarm system
- Energy Conservation
- Fume hoods affected by the Cal OSHA Variance, OSHSB File No. 11-V-030
I. Scope
When laboratory fume hoods are used to prevent harmful exposure to hazardous substances, such hoods shall conform to all applicable provisions the Cal-OSHA Title 8, Section 5154.1 and other applicable provisions in the CSUN Fume Hood Testing Program. Biological Safety Cabinets are not covered by this program.
II. Definitions
Laboratory-Type Hood: A device enclosed except for necessary exhaust purposes on three sides and top and bottom, designed to draw air inward by means of mechanical ventilation, operated with insertion of only the hands and arms of the user, and used to control exposure to hazardous substances.
III. Responsibilities
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Shall be responsible for the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a written fume hood program. The EHS office shall:
- facilitate and coordinate testing of fume hoods;
- report deficiencies found during the EHS-facilitated survey and produce repair requests;
- develop and provide training for the fume hood users;
- review fume hood commissioning reports.
The program shall be updated as necessary to reflect changes in workplace conditions that affect fume hood use.
Manager/Supervisor
The CSUN department chair/supervisor/PI/administrator shall be responsible for ensuring the proper use of the fume hood, following the Chemical Hygiene Plan, observing laboratory safe practices, and implementing worksite-specific procedures. These measures are intended to minimize, reduce, or eliminate CSUN personnel exposures and may include administrative controls, or the use of personal protective equipment. EHS shall work collaboratively with the affected CSUN department to develop worksite-specific procedures. The affected department shall be responsible for implementing and maintaining the worksite-specific procedures.
Employee/Fume Hood User
CSUN personnel shall be responsible for:
- using the fume hood correctly;
- following the Chemical Hygiene Plan, laboratory safe practices, and worksite- specific procedures;
- reporting any fume hood in need of repair found during daily use.
IV. Program Component
Fume Hood Testing Protocol
Fume hood testing shall be performed annually. The face velocity shall be measured with the sash placed at the designated, proper working height (typically no higher than 18 inches or less as indicated by a sash stop and/or an affixed sticker that indicates the proper working height) using a calibrated, NIST traceable hot wire anemometer. Smoke visualization test shall also be performed to evaluate containment capability and turbulence.
The fume hood shall be tested as is.
The “pass criteria” shall comply with 8 CCR 5154.1 (c)(1), and other applicable standards, as appropriate.
The following information should also be collected and reported:
- fume hood make and model
- operational status of the fume hood interior light
- presence of the sash stop
- operational status and condition of the sash and association components (glass, cables, etc.)
- presence and operational condition of the airflow alarm/monitor
- smoke test result
- Principal Investigator and laboratory contact number
All tested fume hoods shall bear a “fume hood certification decal" that contains the following information:
- Face velocity (the text “FAIL” shall be written in this field if the tested fume hood does not meet the “pass criteria”)
- Inspector
- Date of inspection
- Hood ID number
V. Reporting Deficiencies and Repair Requests
Fume hoods that do not meet the “pass criteria” are marked “FAIL”. Repairs to fume hoods will be addressed through issuance of a work order to PPM. The fume hood shall not be used until deficiencies are corrected. In addition, the fume hood shall be tagged out to prevent use until the face velocity is adjusted to meet the “pass criteria”. A sample of the tag is a Tag Out “Do Not Use Fume Hood” .
Newly Installed Fume Hood (New Construction or Renovation)- changes that may affect fume hood performance:
Commissioning testing is required for all newly installed fume hoods, as part of new construction or renovation, or when changes are made to the laboratory, its building, and/or the mechanical systems, or to the fume hood itself that may impact the fume hood’s performance. The testing shall include elements specified in the Fume Hood Testing Protocol of this program, as well as tracer gas test pursuant to 8 CCR 5154.1 (c)(2)(B).
VI. Reporting Requirements
Fume hood testing is performed annually by EHS. Testing requests can also be made by contacting the EHS Office.
Fume hood repair requests are made by placing a work request with PPM
VII. Competency Assessment and Training Requirements
Fume Hood User Training
All fume hood users shall receive training in the following elements:
- General hood purpose
- Primary engineering control method for potential exposures
- Containment method for unanticipated fires/explosions/splashes
- Fume hood components
- Airflow characteristics
- Once-through system
- Capture efficiency and optimum velocity
- Potential for turbulent airflow and escape of hazardous substances from the hood
- Impact of high face velocity/low face velocity
- Impact of blocking baffles
- Safe use of the hood and its features
- Types of fume hoods
- Work practices/correct use
- “Do not operate fume hoods marked ‘FAIL’ until repaired”
- Performance testing
- EHS procedures (survey, tags, certification decal, repair requests)
- Other performance tests
- Quantitative airflow monitor and alarm system
- Location on the hood
- Use as flow indicator
- Energy Conservation
- Anecdotal statistical data
- Keep sash closed when not in use
User competency is assessed during the instructor-led training.
More information on the safe use of fume hoods is in the Fume Hood Safety Reference Guide.
VIII. References
Fume Hood Commissioning and Performance Testing
Fume Hood Safety Reference Guide (SOP)
Reviewed February 2026