Ann. occup. Hyg., Vol. 44, No. 4, pp. 291-300, 2000
© 2000 British Occupational Hygiene Society
Published by Oxford University Press
A simple method for fume cupboard performance assessment
University of Westminster, School of Communication, Design and Media, Watford Road, Northwick Park, Harrow HA1 3TP, UK
Centre for Disability Research & Innovation, University College London, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK. Tel.: +44 181 954 2300 (ext. 752); Fax: +44 181 385 7151
Received 8 December, 1998; Revised 23 September, 1999.
The performance of a fume cupboard is determined by a complex interaction of factors which are time consuming and expensive to determine. This paper describes a simple and practical means of ranking, and assessing fume cupboard installations that can help to discharge managerial responsibility for a ‘safe’ environment. The method also gives an economically viable and technically defensible system for assessing fume cupboard performance as part of upgrading exercises or performance audits. The assessment strategy uses flow visualisation techniques and measurements of inflow air velocity as well as overall condition evaluation to rank performance and identify poor performing cupboards. The method has been used to carry out a condition and performance survey of 199 fume cupboards, both aerodynamic and box-type designs, in an academic institution. The results of this survey are presented which not only highlight performance characteristics but also provide insights into user attitudes and knowledge of fume cupboard operation and performance. It is suggested that surveys such as this could be helpful in training programmes for laboratory workers to enable them to optimise the use of fume cupboards.
fume cupboard; face velocity; visualisation; ranking