Chemical Fume Hood Annual Performance Test Checklist [FREE PDF]

Chemical fume hoods are critical engineering controls under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 (Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories), requiring annual performance verification to ensure adequate face velocity and containment. ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2012 establishes minimum face velocity standards of 80-120 FPM and mandates airflow alarm functionality. Failure to maintain certified fume hood performance can result in regulatory citations, worker overexposure to hazardous chemicals, and invali

  • Industry: Laboratory Services
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Laboratory Manager
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 - Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, OSHA 1910.1200 HazCom GHS - Hazard Communication Standard, ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2012 - Laboratory Ventilation, NFPA 45-2019 - Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, ASHRAE 110-2016 - Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods

Pre-Inspection Documentation Review

Verify that all required documentation and certifications are current before beginning physical testing.

  • Is the previous annual certification report available and on file?
  • Has any corrective maintenance been performed on this hood since the last certification?
  • Is the hood currently listed as approved for use in the lab safety plan?
  • Are the chemicals typically used in this hood documented in the hazard assessment?
  • Is the calibration certificate for test instrumentation current and within 12 months?

Physical Condition Assessment

Inspect the hood structure, sash, baffles, and interior surfaces for defects that could impair containment.

  • Is the sash free from cracks, chips, or visibility obstructions?
  • Do the sash stops engage correctly at the rated working height?
  • Are the baffles present, undamaged, and correctly positioned?
  • Is the interior liner free from visible chemical damage, discoloration, or holes?
  • Are all interior utility services (gas, vacuum, water) properly capped or valved when not in use?
  • Is the exhaust duct connection visible and free from obvious damage or disconnection?

Face Velocity Measurement

Measure and record face velocity at multiple points across the sash opening to confirm adequate and uniform airflow.

  • Is the measured average face velocity within the acceptable range of 80-120 FPM?
  • Average face velocity reading (FPM)?
  • Is the variation between measurement points within ±20% of the average?
  • Lowest individual face velocity point recorded (FPM)?
  • Were any obstructions removed from in front of the hood prior to testing?

Airflow Alarm and Monitor Testing

Verify that the low-flow alarm activates correctly and provides adequate warning to hood users.

  • Is an airflow monitor or alarm device installed on this hood?
  • Does the alarm activate when airflow is reduced below the set point?
  • Is the alarm audible and visible from the normal working position at the hood?
  • Has the airflow monitor been calibrated within the past 12 months?
  • Is the alarm set point documented and set at or above 80 FPM?

Tracer Gas Containment Test (ASHRAE 110)

Conduct the ASHRAE 110 tracer gas test to directly measure the containment effectiveness of the fume hood.

  • Was the ASHRAE 110 as-used (AU) tracer gas test performed?
  • Did the containment test result meet the 0.05 ppm or better standard?
  • Was the test conducted with representative equipment inside the hood?
  • Is the tracer gas test result documented with a pass/fail designation?
  • Were any unusual airflow disturbances (HVAC, foot traffic, doors) noted during testing?

Exhaust System and HVAC Balance Verification

Confirm that the building exhaust system is functioning and balanced to support proper hood operation.

  • Is the exhaust blower confirmed to be operational during testing?
  • Is the laboratory maintained at negative pressure relative to adjacent corridors?
  • Is the supply air volume sufficient to support the exhaust without causing room depressurization issues?
  • Are exhaust stack discharge points located away from air intakes per applicable codes?
  • Have any HVAC system changes occurred since the last certification that could affect hood performance?

Certification Outcome and Corrective Actions

Document the overall test result, any deficiencies identified, and required corrective actions.

  • Does this hood pass all performance criteria and receive certification for continued use?
  • Has the certification sticker been updated with the current test date and next due date?
  • Are all deficiencies identified in this inspection documented with assigned corrective actions?
  • Have hood users been notified of any operational restrictions resulting from this inspection?
  • Additional observations or notes from this inspection?

Related Chemical Safety Checklists

Related Lab Safety Checklists

Why Use This Chemical Fume Hood Annual Performance Test Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This chemical fume hood annual performance test checklist [free pdf] helps laboratory services teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for laboratory manager professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 - Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, OSHA 1910.1200 HazCom GHS - Hazard Communication Standard, ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2012 - Laboratory Ventilation, NFPA 45-2019 - Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, ASHRAE 110-2016 - Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Chemical Fume Hood Annual Performance Test Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Pre-Inspection Documentation Review, Physical Condition Assessment, Face Velocity Measurement, Airflow Alarm and Monitor Testing, Tracer Gas Containment Test (ASHRAE 110), Exhaust System and HVAC Balance Verification, Certification Outcome and Corrective Actions. It is designed for laboratory services operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Chemical Fume Hood Annual Performance Test Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Laboratory Manager professionals in the laboratory services industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists