Why Is Fume Cupboard Testing So Vital For Ensuring Safety?

Fume cupboard testing is essential for maintaining safe and compliant laboratory environments. While fume cupboards are designed to protect users from hazardous fumes and airborne contaminants, their effectiveness depends entirely on how well they are maintained and tested.

Regular testing ensures systems continue to perform as intended, protecting users, maintaining consistent working conditions, and supporting compliance with UK health and safety regulations.

If you need support, you can learn more about our fume cupboard testing services.

What Is Fume Cupboard Testing?

In any laboratory, safety cannot be assumed, it must be actively maintained.

Even a well-designed and properly installed fume cupboard can become a risk if its performance deteriorates over time. Airflow can be affected by wear and tear, system changes, or issues within extraction systems.

Routine fume cupboard testing (as part of wider LEV testing) ensures that:

• Hazardous substances are effectively contained
• Airflow remains stable and within safe parameters
• Potential faults are identified before they become dangerous

Without regular testing, a poorly performing fume cupboard may go unnoticed, increasing the risk to laboratory personnel.

What Is Fume Cupboard Testing?

Fume cupboard testing is the process of assessing whether a unit is operating safely, effectively, and in line with required performance standards.

In the UK, testing is typically carried out in accordance with BS EN 14175-4 or HSE HSG258, which define testing methods, performance criteria, and maintenance requirements for fume cupboards and LEV systems.

Why Regular Testing Of Your Fume Cupboards Is Essential!

When it comes to fume cupboard testing, it’s not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a fundamental part of maintaining a safe, efficient and fully compliant laboratory environment. Even the highest quality systems can experience performance issues over time, which is why routine testing should never be overlooked!

Let’s take a look at a few reasons why regular testing is essential:

Protecting Laboratory Personnel

The primary function of a fume cupboard is to prevent exposure to hazardous fumes, vapours, and particulates. If airflow is reduced or containment is compromised, harmful substances can escape into the laboratory environment. Regular testing ensures continued protection for users.

Maintaining Compliance

Under COSHH regulations, employers are required to ensure that local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems are maintained and tested at suitable intervals. Routine LEV testing provides documented evidence of compliance, which is essential during audits and inspections.

Identifying Issues Early

Not all faults are immediately visible. Reduced airflow, partial blockages, worn components, or failing fans can develop gradually. Regular testing allows these issues to be identified and resolved before they lead to system failure or safety risks.

Supporting Consistent Performance

Reliable airflow is not only important for safety but also for maintaining consistent laboratory conditions. Variations in performance can affect sensitive processes and experiments.

What Does Fume Cupboard Testing Involve?

Professional fume cupboard testing includes a series of checks to assess both safety and performance.

Face Velocity Measurement

Face velocity testing is a key part of the process. Using a calibrated vane anemometer, airflow readings are taken across the fume cupboard sash opening in a defined grid pattern.

These readings are compared against commissioning data and the client’s requirements. Significant deviations may indicate reduced performance and a potential safety concern.

Smoke Visualisation

Smoke testing provides a clear visual assessment of airflow patterns and containment. By introducing a harmless smoke source, engineers can observe how effectively fumes are drawn into the cupboard and identify turbulence or leakage.

Equipment Inspection

A full inspection of the system is also carried out, including:

• Sash operation and condition
• Airflow monitors and alarms
• Fans and extract systems
• Ductwork and connections
• Seals, filters, and general condition

Where issues are identified, they can often be resolved as part of a wider fume cupboard maintenance service.

Performance Certification & Reporting

Following testing, a detailed report is provided outlining results, compliance, and any recommended remedial actions.

How Often Should Fume Cupboards Be Tested?

Fume cupboards should be tested at least every 14 months, in line with HSE guidance (with most sites adopting a 12-month interval).

More frequent testing may be required where:

• Highly hazardous substances are used
• Critical systems need to operate continuously
• The risk level is higher than normal

Testing should also be carried out after installation, relocation, or modifications, particularly for newly installed laboratory fume cupboards.

Regular maintenance and servicing between tests is equally important to ensure ongoing performance.

Signs Your Fume Cupboard May Need Testing

• Reduced airflow or poor containment
• Airflow alarms permanently or occasionally alarming
• Increased noise or vibration when the fume cupboard is operating
• Unusual odours within the laboratory, or signs of corrosion
• Visible damage or deterioration
• Changes to ductwork or extraction systems
• It has been over 12 months since the last test

If you notice any of these issues, it’s advisable to arrange a professional fume cupboard test as soon as possible.

The Benefits Of Professional Testing Services

While basic internal checks can be useful, professional testing provides a far more thorough and reliable assessment.

Specialist engineers have the experience, training, and calibrated equipment required to carry out testing in accordance with current standards. Working with an experienced provider ensures accurate results, proper certification, and compliance.

By choosing a company that both tests and carries out remedial work, such as Fumair, any issues identified can be resolved quickly, reducing downtime and minimising additional costs.

Helping To Keep Your Laboratory Safe & Compliant!

Fume cupboard testing is not simply a box-ticking exercise, it is a critical part of protecting people, processes, and the working environment.

At Fumair, we provide comprehensive testing, inspection, and, unlike many testing-only companies, repair services for fume cupboards and LEV systems. Our experience in design, manufacture, and installation means we can both identify and resolve issues efficiently.

If you need reliable support, contact our team to arrange testing or discuss your requirements.

FAQs About Fume Cupboard Testing

What happens if a fume cupboard fails a test?

If a fume cupboard fails, it should be taken out of service immediately. A prominent warning label should be applied, and users notified. Remove any chemicals stored within the fume cupboard (and attached storage cabinets if applicable) and keep the sash closed. Once faults have been rectified, the unit must be retested before being returned to use.

Is fume cupboard testing a legal requirement?

Yes. Under COSHH regulations, employers must ensure that fume cupboards and LEV systems are maintained in an efficient state, in working order, and in good repair.

Who should carry out fume cupboard testing?

Fume cupboard testing should be carried out by trained and competent professionals. A specialist provider, such as Fumair, can ensure accurate, traceable and compliant testing, as well as effective resolution of any issues found.

What testing standards should be used for fume cupboards?

In the UK, laboratory fume cupboard testing is typically carried out in accordance with BS EN 14175 Parts 3 and 4), which define the methods for testing performance, including face velocity measurement and containment assessment.

School fume cupboards are typically tested to the CLEAPSS G9 standard.

In addition, the Health and Safety Executive publication HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work provides guidance on the inspection, testing, and maintenance of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems, including fume cupboards.

While BS EN 14175 sets out how individual fume cupboards should be tested, HSG258 covers testing of the whole system, including extract ducts and fans, and details the responsibilities of duty holders under COSHH regulations.

For best practice, testing should align with both standards, ensuring that systems are not only performing correctly but are also being maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals.

If you’re unsure whether your current testing regime meets these requirements, speak to our team for advice.