New Hoods

All New hoods need to undergo the ASHRAE-110 test, Let us know you are getting one: fumehoods@ehs.ucla.edu 

Routine Certifications

For information visit: Fume Hood Management Resource Page

Fume hoods required annual certification which is pre-scheduled by EH&S.

• To "PASS" a standard chemical hoods must demonstrate an average exhaust air flow rate will be no less than 100fpm, with no measurement point being less than 70fpm or greater than 160fpm
• Fume hoods that "FAIL" will a certification tag listing FAIL and service request will be submitted by vendor to Facilities Management automatically.
• After certification you will find on your hood:
  • Maximum sash opening (height or length) indicator tape
  • A certification tag with test date listed.

How to check your fume hood alarm?

• Check to make sure the alarm is functioning prior using the fume hood
• There is a small hole/vent on the face of the alarm that senses the air flow passing through the alarm itself.
• Cover the hole on the alarm and it should sound within 5-10sec
• If the alarm does not sound after 20-30sec, place a Trouble Call with Facilities 310-825-9236

What to do if you fume hood alarm is broken or missing?

• You will need to submit and Facilities Service Request (FSR)

What to do when a fume hood alarm sounds?

When a fume hood alarm sounds, stop work, close the fume hood sash, and place a Trouble Call with Facilities 310-825-9236

• This can be an indication that the fume hood has insufficient exhaust air flow and should not be used.
• Don’t ignore/mute the alarm! 
• The fume hood alarm sounding off could also be due to it needing to be recalibrated as well

Who to call?

• Fume hood alarms are installed on every fume hood and maintained by Facilities.
• For Assistance Call Facilities Management Trouble Call 310-825-9236

Here are general rules to follow when using a fume hood:

• Prior to starting work in the fume hood, check to make sure the fume hood has been certified in the last year and the fume hood alarm is operational
• Sash should be adjusted below your mouth and nose to create a barrier.
• Work with the fume hood sash in the lowest practical position, no higher than the maximum sash height indicated on the fume hood.
• The sash does act as a physical barrier against splashes or in the event of an accident.
• For fume hood sashes that open both horizontally and vertically, use the horizontal opening for loading/unloading items and the vertical opening for working in the hood.
• Always keep materials at least 6 inches behind the plane of the sash. If the materials are too close to the opening of the hood, the air turbulence may push hazardous vapors back towards the user
• Never put your head inside the fume hood. The plane of the fume hood sash is a separation between contaminated and uncontaminated air.
• Refrain from using the fume hood as a storage area. Storing items inside the fume hood may block air from being pulled through the baffles and drops the effectiveness of the fume hood exhaust system