Fume Hood Containment Testing : Benefits for Facilities Managers

Maxima Technical Services provides completely independent testing services for laboratory ventilation systems including fume hood containment testing (ASHREA 110-1995, MD15128). 

Using the latest technologies, we are able to provide a full range of testing services with respect to fume hoods and the environment in which they operate.  Our reports are extensive, yet laid out in a fashion that lets the readers intuitively navigate through our graphical representations of face velocity, cross draft, and containment levels. 

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003 states that “management shall establish a Laboratory Ventilation Management Plan to ensure proper selection, operation, use, and maintenance of laboratory ventilation equipment”.  Our firm can assist you in creating this plan that will ensure that the laboratories are a safe place to work, in compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.  We can also assist in adjusting the systems to ensure that they meet the criteria for the occupants and technology involved in terms of control of temperature, humidity, and air quality in the most energy efficient manner.  After a laboratory has been optimized to achieve these goals, key measurement points can be used to periodically monitor the performance of the systems.  ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003 and PWGSC’s MD 15128 recommend that a yearly verification be made using key measurement points if no substantial design changes have occurred in the laboratories.

A common ideology exists that only the fume hood be verified, it is our point of view that the entire HVAC system in a laboratory be monitored since the environment in which the fume hood operates is a significant determining factor in their performance. 

We rely on a wealth of experience and our independence to provide reports that are clear and intuitive.  The reports can be customized to allow facility managers and users a quick reference to the information.  Electronic copies of the reports can be provided for each laboratory or fume hood to allow the users easy access to information regarding the systems that are in place to ensure their safety.

Benefits:

• Prompt service and flexible scheduling.
• Capabilities of performing on site adjustments and calibration.
• Better operating environment.
• Less complaints
• Lower operating costs.
• Clear communication of test data.
• Detailed and accurate reporting.