Fume Hood Performance Testing
To determine proper ventilation, thorough knowledge of the interaction of fume hoods, exhaust systems, and the laboratory system itself is required. By affirming expertise in HVAC dynamics and laboratory design, as well as an ability to properly utilize instrumentation, certification in Fume Hood Performance Testing assures an expert to confirm performance of the fume hood, laboratory, and system.
Fume Hood Testing Procedures
A safe and reliable fume hood test involves three core procedures:
- Airflow visualization tests: These are intended to provide a visual indication of the fume hood’s capture performance when a small-scale challenge is introduced.
- Airflow velocity tests: These are designed to assess the rate at which particles generated within the cleanroom leave the critical operational area - and validate that the average airflow face velocity meets the manufacturer’s’ specifications.
- Tracer gas containment tests: These assess whether an operator would suffer any exposure if a gas were released.
NEBB’s Fume Hood certification requirements dictate that applicants must be able to perform these procedures in multiple different contexts. For example, NEBB certified professionals perform airflow visualization tests on constant air volume (CAV) fume hoods and variable air volume (VAV) fume hoods.
Why Fume Hood Testing Certification?
As more facilities are using fume hoods in their research laboratories, there is a demand for certified, competent firms to make sure a facility’s fume hoods are operating effectively.
Certification in Fume Hood Testing (FHT) will offer hospitals, laboratories, and educational facilities proof of technical knowledge, skills ,and instrumentation to test fume hoods for effectiveness.
NEBB’s Fume Hood Performance Testing program provides certification of firms and individuals that meet the criteria established by NEBB.
Ensure Safety with Fume Hood Performance Testing
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Fume Hood Testing Certification Requirements for Firms
In order to become NEBB Certified in Fume Hood Testing, a firm must:
- Enjoy a reputation for integrity and responsible performance. Six letters of endorsement, five fromconsulting engineers, architects or building owners and the sixth may be from a contracting firm. Allshould reflect work that the applicant firm has completed. Firms who are already NEBB Certified in another discipline will not need these letters.
- Be affiliated and in good standing with a local NEBB Chapter.
- Possess the various instruments and equipment which are required; the local NEBB Chapter must visuallyconfirm compliance.
- Confirm in writing that it will conform to the NEBB guidelines for the calibration and maintenance of the instruments and equipment required.
- Possess the current NEBB Procedural Standards for Fume Hood Testing.
- Designate in writing the Designated Certified Professional who will represent the firm and be responsiblefor the supervision of fume hood testing work.