Fume Hood Performance Test Checklist [FREE PDF]

Fume hoods are the primary engineering control protecting laboratory personnel from exposure to hazardous chemical vapors, gases, and aerosols as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 (Laboratory Standard). The American National Standard ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 and ASHRAE 110 Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods establish the benchmark performance criteria including face velocity, tracer gas containment, and smoke visualization tests. Regular quantitative performance testing—typically annua

Industry: Laboratory Services
Frequency: Annually
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Lab Safety Officer
Total Items: 36
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 - Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, ASHRAE 110-2016 - Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods, ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2012 - Laboratory Ventilation Standard, ISO 17025:2017 - General Requirements for Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, CAP Accreditation Standards - Checklist COM.01600 / CHM.13800 Ventilation Requirements

Pre-Test Documentation & Hood Information

Collect baseline information about the fume hood, its last certification date, and current operational status before beginning physical testing.

Has the fume hood been certified within the past 12 months or since last significant physical change?
Is the previous certification report on file and available for review?
Select the type of fume hood being tested?
Enter the date of the most recent duct or blower maintenance performed on this hood?
Has the hood undergone any physical modifications (sash replacement, baffles, plumbing changes) since last certification?

Physical Condition & Sash Inspection

Conduct a thorough visual and physical inspection of the fume hood body, sash, baffles, work surface, and service fixtures.

Is the fume hood interior free of stored chemicals, excessive equipment, or obstructions that would impede airflow?
Is the sash in good condition with no cracks, chips, fogging, or broken sash handles that could compromise personnel protection?
Does the sash stop mechanism engage correctly to maintain the maximum sash working height (typically 18 inches)?
Are the interior baffles present, undamaged, and properly positioned to promote laminar airflow patterns?
Are all interior service fixtures (gas, vacuum, water, electrical outlets) functional and free from visible corrosion or chemical damage?
Capture a photograph of the fume hood interior showing current condition at start of inspection?

Face Velocity Measurement

Perform quantitative face velocity measurements using a calibrated velometer or anemometer at the required grid points across the sash opening.

Has the velocity measurement instrument been calibrated within the past 12 months and is the calibration certificate on file?
Was face velocity measured at a minimum of 6 grid points (ASHRAE 110-2016 grid pattern) across the sash face opening?
Enter the average measured face velocity across all grid points?
Is the average face velocity within the institution's accepted range (typically 80-120 fpm)?
Enter the minimum face velocity recorded at any single measurement point?

Smoke Visualization & Tracer Gas Containment Test

Perform qualitative smoke visualization and/or quantitative tracer gas (SF6 or equivalent) containment testing per ASHRAE 110-2016.

Was a smoke visualization test performed to assess airflow patterns and identify areas of turbulence or back-drafting?
Did the smoke visualization test confirm that all smoke was drawn into the hood with no visible escape at the sash opening?
Was a quantitative tracer gas (SF6 or equivalent) containment test performed per ASHRAE 110-2016 Section 6.5?
If a tracer gas test was conducted, did the hood achieve a passing result of ≤0.10 ppm at the operator's breathing zone?
Was smoke testing performed at room cross-draft conditions to simulate real-world walk-by or HVAC-induced disturbances?

Room Environmental Conditions

Document ambient room conditions that affect fume hood performance, including HVAC balance, room pressurization, and cross-draft sources.

Is the laboratory room maintained at negative pressure relative to adjacent corridors to prevent contaminant migration?
Are supply air diffusers positioned to avoid creating cross-drafts across the fume hood face?
Enter the measured room cross-draft velocity at the fume hood face from ambient room air movement?
Is the HVAC system supplying adequate make-up air to compensate for fume hood exhaust without creating negative room pressure extremes?
Enter the ambient room temperature at time of test?

Alarm & Safety System Verification

Test and verify that fume hood airflow alarms, sash-open alarms, and fail-safe systems are operational and appropriately configured.

Is the fume hood equipped with a low-flow airflow alarm that activates when face velocity falls below the set threshold?
Was the low-flow alarm tested and confirmed to activate at the correct set point (typically ≤60 fpm or as per institutional policy)?
If the hood is VAV-controlled, is the DDC/BMS control system indicating correct airflow setpoints and responding appropriately to sash position changes?
Is the current certification sticker affixed to the hood face with the pass/fail status, date tested, and next test due date?
Are all controls, switches, and emergency shut-off devices on the hood panel labeled, functional, and accessible?

Test Results, Pass/Fail Determination & Corrective Action

Record the overall test outcome, document any deficiencies found, and assign corrective actions with responsible parties and target completion dates.

Based on all tests conducted, does this fume hood receive an overall PASS certification?
If the hood failed any test criteria, has it been immediately taken out of service and marked 'DO NOT USE - UNDER REPAIR'?
Document all deficiencies found during this inspection, including which test failed and measured values?
Enter the name of the facility management or HVAC technician assigned to complete any required corrective repairs?
Enter the target date for completion of all corrective actions and re-certification of any failed hoods?

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

This fume hood performance test checklist [free pdf] helps laboratory services teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lab safety officer 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, ASHRAE 110-2016 - Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods, ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2012 - Laboratory Ventilation Standard, ISO 17025:2017 - General Requirements for Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, CAP Accreditation Standards - Checklist COM.01600 / CHM.13800 Ventilation Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Pre-Test Documentation & Hood Information, Physical Condition & Sash Inspection, Face Velocity Measurement, Smoke Visualization & Tracer Gas Containment Test, Room Environmental Conditions, Alarm & Safety System Verification, Test Results, Pass/Fail Determination & Corrective Action. 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 Fume Hood Performance Test Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Lab Safety Officer 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.