SECTION I - SECTION II - SECTION III - SECTION IV - SECTION V (APPENDICES)
III.Cover | III.A | III.B | III.C | III.D | III.E | III.F

Section III.C.3: Ventilation

III.C | III.C.1 | III.C.2 | III.C.3 | III.C.4

3. Maintenance of Ventilation Systems

1. Fume hoods and other protective equipment must function properly. Specific measures must be taken to ensure proper and adequate performance of all ventilation systems. For additional information see Section II.J.3, Fact Sheets -- Chemical Fume Hoods.
   
   
2. Facilities Operations performs periodic maintenance and testing of fume hood and other protective equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly. The maintenance and testing includes:
   1. Annual testing of fume hood face velocity to determine that an appropriate volume and velocity of air is entering the fume hood.
      
      1. The fume hood testing technician affixes two stickers to the fume hood; a permanent sticker which indicates proper face velocity and also states general rules for fume hood useage, and a temporary sticker which indicates the last measured face velocity of the fume hood and the date of measurement. These stickers are pictured below. To print the stickers, click here.
         
         

          

      2. If the face velocity tested on the fume hood is significantly lower (or higher) than the allowable limit indicated, the Facilities Operations technician affixes the following notice to the fume hood sash.

      Periodic investigation of complaints or concerns registered by fume hood operators concerning maintenance of exhaust motors, fans, etc.

3. The Radiation Safety Office (RSO) requires a special "determination of adequacy" for fume hoods in which higher levels of radioactivity are used, higher hazard chemical and/or physical forms are used, and/or higher hazard operations and procedures take place. The special determinations of adequacy will be made on a case by case basis, subject to review and concurrence by the Radiation Safety Committee. If a special determination of adequacy is required, the RSO performs smoke testing of the hood to ensure adequate draw and minimal eddy currents. The hood must be set up so as to mimic the proposed laboratory hood operating conditions. The RSO performs the test annually and only after Facilities Operations has completed the face velocity verification (confirming face velocity of 100 feet per minute airflow at 18" sash height). Upon satisfactory completion of the smoke test, the following sticker is affixed to the hood airfoil jamb.




4. Laboratory ventilation equipment scheduled for maintenance or repair work must be cleaned and/or decontaminated by laboratory personnel under the supervision of the PI or laboratory supervisor. Maintenance workers have the right to refuse to do work if the area or equipment is not clear of hazards. (See Section III.E.3, Maintenance/Construction Activities in Laboratories ).
   
   
5. All ventilation systems need routine maintenance for blocked or plugged air intakes and exhausts, loose belts, bearings in need of lubrication, motors in need of attention, corroded duct work, and/or minor component failure.
   
   
6. Filters should be replaced periodically in certain types of ventilation systems, such as electrostatic precipitators and cyclones for dust collection.
   
   
7. Monitoring devices should be installed in ventilation systems to keep the user aware of malfunctions.
   
   
8. Contact WSU Facilities Operations to request ventilation systems maintenance/filter changes.