Daily, Weekly, and Annual Maintenance Checklist for Fume Hoods
Companies in the healthcare and manufacturing fields, or any institution that does R&D has likely utilized a fume hood. These ventilation devices capture and remove potentially harmful or toxic chemical vapors, fumes, odors and particulates from a working area where these substances are being tested or experimented with. Fume hoods are deemed vital lab equipment and are a must in plenty of other settings as well. However, for a fume hood to perform reliably and effectively protect workers, it must be regularly maintained.
At DigeLab Solutions, we know what’s at stake and why fume hood maintenance is so vital for safe and compliant operations. So we’re sharing our checklist for key maintenance tasks across the days, weeks, and year.
Daily Fume Hood Maintenance
Technicians using a fume hood should carry out daily visual inspections. These can include:
- Checking for damage to the sash, hinges, and seals
- Ensuring that the sash is both properly positioned and operating smoothly
- Determining that the airflow indicator is correctly functioning
- Confirming that exhaust vents/baffles are free of obstructions
- Checking for and making note of unusual noises or vibrations
- Confirming proper airflow and ensuring it is consistent
- Ensuring general cleanliness by wiping down the work surface and interior walls
- Removing any debris or spills from the fume hood
- Removing potential sources of sparks from around the fume hood, including electrical receptacles and sources of static electricity
- Checking fume hood air filters to ensure that they are clean, and replacing if dirty or clogged
It is vital to immediately report any issues to a supervisor who can contact us for fume hood repair. Until that time, a fume hood should be taken out of service to ensure safety of the lab workers. That said, these daily checks should be done whether the fume hood is in use or not.
Weekly Fume Hood Maintenance
Weekly fume hood maintenance is the next level of attentiveness, beyond daily checks. This can include:
- Deep cleaning and removal of any accumulation of chemical spills, dust, or residues in the hood interior
- Checking/replacing filters as needed or on the schedule dictated by the manufacturer
- Inspecting ductwork and exhaust systems for blockages, proper function, and unusual noises
- Testing alarm and safety systems that alert users to low airflow and other malfunctions
It is important to remember that prior to weekly cleanings, all equipment must be removed and protective gear used. Do not use abrasive cleaners or tools that could scratch the surface of the fume hood. Keep an eye out for early signs of wear or corrosion. A final rinse with pure, clean water will ensure that no cleaner residues remain.
Annual Fume Hood Maintenance
Fume hoods require annual professional recertification. This series of tests is paired with a thorough inspection and potential fume hood repair if need be. All components will be evaluated for leaks, damage, and proper functioning. Annual fume hood maintenance can also entail a tune up of sorts, including lubrication, belt tension and checks for fan blade deterioration and RPM, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation. A full record of the maintenance and testing procedures will be provided for documentation.
All maintenance and inspection logs detailing any maintenance performed, test results, and replacements made can be invaluable during audits, inspections, or warranty claims.
DigeLab Is Your Local Source For Fume Hood Repair
If you operate lab equipment, you know how vital precision and accuracy are. These nonnegotiable traits can’t be left to chance–regular maintenance and inspections are what ensure that your fume hood and other equipment are working as they should. Whether you are in need of biosafety cabinet certification, fume hood repair or other work on your lab equipment, DigeLab Solutions can help. Contact us to learn more about our services and to schedule your annual maintenance.