TOTAL CONTAINMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.

Unit B7. Moss Industrial Estate, Leigh. WN7 3PT. TEL: 01942 679600 FAX: 01942 679700

www.tcsltd.org.uk

FIXED FUME CUPBOARD

OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

(Revision 6)

MODEL: TCS 1000 FD

CONTENTS SECTION 1 PROJECT DETAILS 1.1 System overview. 1.2 Design Criteria.

SECTION 2 NOTES ON SAFE USE OF FUME CUPBOARDS

2.1 Starting the Fume Cupboard. 2.2 When a Fume Cupboard should be used. 2.3 General Principles of Operation. 2.4 Working in the Fume Cupboard. 2.5 Fume Cupboard Use. 2.6 Using the Fume Cupboard for Storage. 2.7 Procedures which can be carried out. 2.8 Substances which can be released. 2.9 Fume Cupboard Work Surface Chemical Resistance 2.10 Positioning of the Fume Cupboard. 2.11 Legal Requirements.

SECTION 3 FUME CUPBOARD MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 Monthly Maintenance. 3.2 14 Monthly Maintenance. 3.3 Cleaning the Exterior. 3.4 Cleaning the Interior.

SECTION 4 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

4.1 Spillages. 4.2 Splashed Chemicals. 4.3 Fume Cupboard Contamination.

SECTION 5 AS FITTED DRAWINGS SECTION 6 CONTACT DETAILS

SECTION 1 PROJECT DETAILS 1.1. SYSTEM OVERVIEW Schools Type Fixed Ducted Fume Cupboard, built to the following specification: Dimensions External Width - 1000mm External Depth - 715mm External Height - 2070mm Internal Width - 900mm Internal Depth - 500mm Internal Height - 1070mm Viewing Opening Height - 750mm Maximum Safe Sash Opening - 400mm Carcass The front profiles and aerofoil cill are formed using 16swg zinc coated mild steel sheet, all components epoxy polyester powder coated white. The sides of the cabinet between the front and rear corners are fitted with 5mm thick clear toughened glass panels. Support Framework The fume cupboard is mounted on a hollow section mild steel frame, epoxy polyester powder coated white. Each support leg is fitted with an adjustable foot for site levelling. Fitted to the front face of the support frame is a flush fitted fascia rail. Storage Compartment Within the support frame structure is a storage compartment made from epoxy polyester powder coated mild steel panels, with the front fitted with two hinged, lockable doors.. Internal Lining & Baffle The side chamber walls are constructed from 5mm thick clear toughened glass. The soffit, back panel and rear baffles are formed using 16swg zinc coated mild steel sheet, all components epoxy polyester powder coated white. All joints being sealed with a suitable laboratory grade silicone compound. Workbase The work surface is manufactured from 13 & 16mm thick Trespa Athlon (see section 2.9 for Trespa Athlon work surface chemical compatibility) and dished on all four sides to contain spillage. The joint between the work surface and the internal chamber walls is sealed using a suitable laboratory grade silicone compound. Drainage Within the work surface is a 100mm diameter circular vulcathene drip cup (ref: 501), complete with vulcathene bottle trap (ref: 561).

Sash The sash is glazed from 5mm thick clear toughened glass, running in guide channels. The sash is fitted with an aluminium epoxy powder coated finger grip. The sash is counter balanced utilising 2.5mm diameter, 316 grade stainless steel cable, pulleys and lead balancing weights. The sash arrangement has a by-pass facility at high level to prevent excessive velocities when the sash is in low positions. Automatic resetting sash locks are fitted at 400mm, which could be overridden to allow the sash to be raised above the fully open position but would automatically re-engage when the sash is lowered below 400mm. An additional sash stop is fitted at 50mm to maintain the sash in the closed position. Illumination Above the soffit is a 2 foot twin fluorescent light fitting, housed in a mild steel epoxy polyester powder coated reflector box over a 6mm thick clear acrylic panel, vapour sealed from the internal chamber. Services The following services are fitted on the fascia rail below working level:- 1 No. Cold Water 1 No. Natural Gas 1 No. 13A Double Switch Socket c/w integral RCD Protection The electrical RCD socket is from the Timeguard range and is pre-wired to a junction box terminating with a 2 metre long flexible cable for connection to a local 13A fused spur. Mechanical service valves and outlets are from the Arboles range and are pre-plumbed in flexible pipework terminating with 1/4 inch BSP male fittings. Control / Alarm Panel To the right hand side aerofoil is a control/alarm panel with the following features: Fan Start Button Fan Stop Button Fan Run Indicator Lights On Button Lights Off Button Lights On Indicator Airflow Fail Indicator Low Air Mute Button Airflow Safe Indicator Note: the control panel gives a simple audible/visual indication that air is flowing (or not as the case may be) into the fume cupboard. It is not a calibrated device and therefore does not require calibration.

1.2 DESIGN CRITERIA Fume Cupboards are designed, manufactured and tested to fully comply with the requirements of Building Bulletin 88, Design Note 29 and CLEAPSS.

SECTION 2 NOTES ON SAFE USE OF FUME CUPBOARDS 2.1. STARTING THE FUME CUPBOARD The fume cupboard should be energised prior to carrying out any activities or procedures that have the requirements of the fume cupboard usage. To start the fume cupboard press the button marked ‘Fan On’ on the control panel to the right hand side. This will start the extract fan and light the ‘Fan Run’ LED; allow approximately 20 seconds for the flow rate of the fume cupboard to stabilise, after which the ‘Air Safe’ LED should be on, indicating the fume cupboard is ready for use. Should the fan or extraction system fail whilst using the fume cupboard, the air extraction will drop causing the ‘Air Fail’ LED to come on (turning off the ‘Air Safe’ LED). The low air alarm will sound, which can be muted by pressing the ‘Low Air Mute’ button. Should the operator wish to activate the fume cupboard light, press the ‘Lights On’ button. The ‘Lights Off’ button turns the light off. Note – Prior to the commencement of any activities within the fume cupboard, the operator should visually check the status of the integral control panel to determine that it is safe to proceed. 2.2. WHEN A FUME CUPBOARD SHOULD BE USED As well as the general obligation of school staff to follow their employer’s safety guidance, they have a specific duty under COSHH Regulation 8(2) to use a fume cupboard when risk assessments require it and to report any defects that may arise. 2.3 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION A fume cupboard is intended to prevent hazardous dusts, gases or vapours being inhaled. A subsidiary function can be to act as a safety screen to protect persons from explosions, splashes, etc. Protection is achieved by a flow of air which first draws the gases away from the breathing zones of the user and others. Secondly, the airflow dilutes the hazardous gases. Typically, the maximum rate at which a hazardous gas is generated is less than 50cm3s-1 (cubic centimetres per second) while the air diluting it passes through the fume cupboard at about 0.15m3s-1 (cubic metres per second), i.e. 150000 cm3s-1. Thus a dilution approaching three thousand is achieved, assuming perfect mixing. The diluted gas, even with only partial mixing, is already safer than the undiluted gas, because, if it were inhaled, a very much lower mass of it would enter the body. 2.4. WORKING IN THE FUME CUPBOARD The fume cupboards are designed to have an average face velocity of 0.4m/sec at sash openings from 50mm to 400mm (measured from the top of the aerofoil sill to the underside of the sash handle). In order to load the fume cupboard with equipment and reagents it will be necessary to raise the sash to the highest limits of sash travel. Once the fume cupboard loading has been completed the sash must be lowered to ensure the best possible operator safety. The open aperture of the fume cupboard should not be obscured with equipment; typically 100mm of space should be left at the front of the work surface. This is to ensure that the flow through the open

sash is not made turbulent, with a consequential loss of containment. Care should be taken not to block the air purge gap situated under the aerofoil sill at the front of the work surface. The operator of the fume cupboard should appreciate that whilst using his arms within the fume cupboard, all movements are to be sufficiently slow, so that toxic fumes are not entrained in the wake of the moving limbs as they are withdrawn from the interior of the fume chamber. Similarly, when moving away from, or passing the face of an operating fume cupboard, all movement is to be restrained. The fume cupboard sash should be at the minimum opening to reduce the input air rate to a safe minimum; however the clearing rate of the fume cupboard is increased if the sash is lowered. This technique should be employed if the reaction is known to involve rapid rates of release of toxic fumes. Experiments which are carried out within the fume cupboard that involve extended operation outside normal working hours should be left in a safe manner appropriate to the operation being undertaken i.e.-

Chemicals not in use are cleared away. Warning notices be displayed should the laboratory be accessible to other personnel

authorised or unauthorised. Sash lowered to increase face velocity of fume cupboard.

Note! Attention should be paid that face velocities are not too high and liable to disrupt the experiments/extinguish naked flames. 2.5 FUME CUPBOARD USE Eddies can carry some of the gases out of the fume cupboard and most commonly occur close to edges, e.g. to the sides of the working aperture. However, with the low releases of gases during school use, the exposure levels resulting from fume cupboards are well below exposure limits. More substantial escapes of gases can occur as a result of arm movements of the user, someone moving in front of the fume cupboard or rapid sash movements. It is therefore important that all movement in and around the fume cupboard is restrained. Draughts across the front of a fume cupboard also can cause escape which is why the siting of fume cupboards is important. Users of school fume cupboards must be instructed and trained to use fume cupboards when the risk assessments provided by the employer require it. 2.6 USING THE FUME CUPBOARD FOR STORAGE Fume Cupboards should not be used to store chemicals. This can increase hazards if a fire or an explosion occurs or if an item of equipment is dropped or knocked over. In addition, if they are not secure, there is a possibility that chemicals may be stolen from a fume cupboard in a laboratory.

2.7 PROCEDURES WHICH CAN BE CARRIED OUT Various tests recommend that these procedures be carried out in fume cupboards. Absence from the list does not necessarily imply that the procedure is too hazardous to be handled in a fume cupboard or can be handled safely in the open laboratory (see section 2.9 for Trespa Athlon work surface chemical compatibility). Inclusion in the list does not necessarily imply that the procedure cannot be handled safely in the open laboratory if quantities are particularly small.

Procedure Bunsen Drain KS3 KS4 Years 12

Required

? Required

? and 13

Alkali metals reacting with water √ √ √ √

Aluminium chloride (anhydrous) preparation √ √ √

Aluminium reacting with iodine √ √ √

Aluminium with mercury salt solutions √ √

Ammonia: catalytic oxidisation √ √ √

Ammonia: dispensing of '880' √ √

Ammonia preparation √ √ √ √

Ammonia reacting with hydrogen chloride √ √ √

Ammonia chloride heating √ √ √ √

Ammonia dichromate decomposition (volcano experiment) √ √ √ √

Aromatic amine preparation √ √ √

Benzoyl chloride: dispensing and reactions √ √ √

Bromination of alkenes (eg. Cyclohexene, styrene) √ √ √

Bromine diffusion experiments √ √ √ √

Bromine/hydrocarbons reactions √ √ √

Bromine reacting with iron √ √ √ √

Burning plastics √ √ √

Butylamine reactions to illustrate reactions of aliphatic amines √ √

Cannizzaro's reaction using benzaldehyde √

Carbon disulphide handling √ √

Carbon monoxide preparation (not in a filter fume cupboard) √ √ √ √

Carbon monoxide reducing metal oxides √ √ √

Cellulose dissolving in strong ammonia solution √ √ √

Chlorine preparation √ √ √ √

Chlorine reacting with metals √ √ √ √

Cholesteryl benzoate preparation using pyridine as a solvent √ √

Chromatography using organic solvents √ √ √

Chromyl chloride preparation √ √

Contact process demonstration √ √ √

Copper pyrites heating √ √ √ √

1,4 - dichlorobenzene to pre-treat root tips to arrest metaphase √ √ √

Dichloromethane extractions (eg. caffeine from tea) √ √

Dissolving alloys in aqua regia for concentrated nitric acid or analysis √ √ √

Electrolysis of molten lead bromide √ √ √

Electrolysis of molten sodium hydroxide √ √ √

Electrolysis of molten zinc chloride √ √ √

Ethanal: reactions and dispensing √

Ethanoic acid: reactions and dispensing √ √

Ethanoic anhydride: reactions and dispensing √ √

Ethanoyl chloride: reactions and dispensing √ √

Fountain experiments with ammonia, hydrogen chloride or sulphur dioxide √ √

Friedel-Craft reactions √ √ √

Galena (lead sulphide) heating √ √ √ √

Halides with concentrated sulphuric acid √ √ √

Halgenoalkane solvent dispensing √ √ √

Harlow's solution for macerating woody tissue √ √

Hoffman bromination reaction √ √

Hydrocarbon solvent dispensing √ √ √

Hydrogen burning in chlorine √ √ √ √ √

Hydrogen chloride dissolving in methylbenzene √ √ √

Hydrogen chloride gas preparation √ √ √ √

Hydrogen sulphide: preparation and reactions √ √

Iodine: action of heat (sublimation) √ √ √ √

Iodine reactions with metals other than aluminium √ √ √ √

Iron (III) chlorine preparation √ √

Mercuric solutions dispensing √ √

Mercury heating to form oxide √ √ √ √

Mercury oxide heating √ √ √ √

Mercury reacting with iodine √ √ √ √

Mercury used as an electrical contact √ √ √

Methanal for use as a preservative, fixative or to kill microbes √ √ √

Methanol oxidation using a copper spiral √ √ √

Methyl methacrylate polymerisation √ √ √

Naphthalene cooling curve demonstration √ √ √ √

Nickel carbonate composition √ √

Ninhydrin spraying of chromatograms √ √

Nitric acid preparation √ √ √ √

Nitric acid reacting with copper √ √ √ √

Nitric acid reacting with sawdust √ √ √

Nitrogen dioxide preparation √ √ √ √

Electrolysis of molten lead bromide √ √ √

Nitrogen monoxide preparation √ √ √ √

Organic acid anhydride preparation √ √ √

Organic acid chloride preparation √ √ √

Organic solvent warning √ √ √

Perspex depolymerisation √ √ √

Phenol dispensing √

Phenol/methanal resin preparation √ √

Phenylamine reactions illustrating aromatic amines √ √

Phenylethene polymerisation √ √ √

Phosphine preparation √ √ √

Phosphorous allotropy √ √ √

Phosphorous burning √ √ √ √

Phosphorous burning in chlorine √ √ √

Phosphorous chloride reactions √ √

Silicon tetrachloride reactions √ √

Sugar reacting with concentrated sulphuric acid √ √ √

Sulphide precipitations (using ammonium sulphide or hydrogen sulphide soil) √ √

Sulphur burning √ √ √ √

Sulphur dioxide handling √ √ √

Tetrachloromethane: dispensing and use √

Thermal decomposition of nitrates √ √ √

Thermal decomposition of potassium iodate √ √

Thermite reaction √ √ √ √

Tin (IV) chloride preparation √ √ √

Tin (IV) iodide preparation √ √

Trichloromethane: dispensing and use √ √

Urea/formaldehyde (methanal) resin preparation √ √ √

Zinc reacting with sulphur √ √

2.8 SUBSTANCES WHICH CAN BE RELEASED The following is a list of substances which, in the quantities usual in school experiments, can be released safely in a fume cupboard. Absence from the list does not necessarily imply that the gas or vapour is too toxic to be handled in a fume cupboard or can be safely handled in the open laboratory. Inclusion in the list does not necessarily imply that the gas or vapour cannot be handled safely in the open laboratory if the quantities are sufficiently small.

Inorganic Compounds

Aluminium chloride & bromide Ammonia Ammonium chloride fumes Bromine Chlorine Chromium(VI) dichloride Dioxide (chromyl chloride) Hydrochloric acid vapour Hydrogen chloride Hydrogen sulphide Iodine Iodine chlorides Lead fumes Lead bromide fumes Mercury & its compounds Nitric acid vapour Nitrogen oxides Phosphine Phosphorous (white) Phosphorous chlorides & bromides Phosphorous oxides Silicon tetrachloride Sulphur chlorides Sulphur dioxide Thionyl chloride Tin(VI) chloride Titanium tetrachloride Zinc chloride fumes Organic Compounds Acid amides Acid anhydrides Acid chlorides Alcohols Aldehydes Aliphatic amines & their salts Aromatic amines & their salts Aromatic nitro compounds Carboxylic acids

Esters Ethers Ketones Nitriles Organohalogens Phenols Pyridine Dusts etc. Dyes Enzymes Smoke

2.9 FUME CUPBOARD WORK SURFACE CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

The fume cupboard work surface is made from Trespa Athlon, which consists of specially formulated composite resins. Trespa Athlon work surfaces not only possess outstanding mechanical characteristics, but also have excellent resistance to most chemicals. Chemical resistance of Trespa Athlon The following list gives a good idea of the resistance of Trespa to commonly used chemical substances (solid, diluted, fluid or gaseous) at room temperature.

LIST 1: Trespa panels are fully impervious to the following substances. These substances will not change the surface of Trespa Athlon, even after a longer period of time (ISO 4586; test period of 16 hours)

Acetone Citric Acid Magnesium Carbonate Soda Lye (up to 10%) Activate Charcoal Clay (Kaolin) Magnesium Chloride Sodium Acetate Alcohols: Cocaine Magnesium Sulphate Sodium Bicarbonate Primary Coffee Maltose Sodium Bisulphate Secondary Copper Sulphate Mannite Sodium Carbonate Tertiary Cosmetics Mannose Sodium Chloride Alcoholic Beverages Cresol Mercury Sodium Citrate Aldehydes Cresolic Acid Mesoinosite Sodium Di-ethyl Barbiturate Alum Solution Cyclohexane Methol Sodium Hydroxide (<10%) Aluminium Sulphate Cyclohexanol Methylene Chloride Sodium Hyposulphite Amides

Milk Sodium Nitrate

Amino Acetic Acid Detergents Milk Sugar Sodium Phosphate Amines: Dextrose Mineral Oils Sodium Silicate Primary Dichloroethylene Mineral Salts Sodium Sulphate Secondary Digitonin

Sodium Sulphide

Tertiary Dimethylformamide Nail Polish Sodium Sulphite p-Amino Acetophenone Dimethyl Sulphoxide Nail Polish remover Sodium Tartrate Ammonia Dioxane Naphthol Soil Ammonium Sulphate Dulcite Nickel Sulphate Soot Ammonium Thiocyanate

Nicotine Sorbitol

Amyl Acetate Esters p-Nitro Phenol Standard Acetate Solvents Amyl Alcohol Ethanol

Standard Nutrient I – Agar

Aniline Ether Octanol Standard Nutrient II – Agar Animal Fats Ethyl Acetate Octyl Alcohol Standard Nutrient I–Bouillon Animal Feedstocks

Ointments Standard Nutrient II–Bouillon

Arabinose Fats Oleic Acid Starch Ascorbic Acid Formaldehyde Olive Oil Starch Common Salt Solution

Asparagine Formic Acid (up to 10% solution) Organic Solvents Stearic Acid

Asparaginic Acid Fructose

Styrene

Paints Sugar & Derivatives

Barium Chloride Galactose Pandys Reagent Sulphur Barium Sulphate Gelatine Panthenol

Benzaldehyde Glucose Paraffin Talcum Benzidine Glycerine Paraffin Oil Tannin Benzene Glycol Peptone Tartaric Acid Benzoic Acid Glycocol Petrol Tea Benzol Chloride Graphite Phenol & Derivatives Tetrahydrofurane Biogel Gypsum Phenolphthalein Tetraline Blood

Polishing Creams/Waxes Thio-Urea

Blood Group Test Serum Heparin Potassium Aluminium Sulphate Thymol

Boric Acid Heptanol Potassium Bromate Thymol Buffer Solution Butyl Acetate Hexane Potassium Bromide Toluene Butyl Alcohol Hexanol Potassium Carbonate Trehalose

Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Potassium Chloride Trichloroethylene

Cadmium Acetate Hydroquinone Potassium Hexacyanoferrate Trypsin Cadmium Sulphate Hydrophysine Potassium Hydroxide Tryptophan Caffeine

Potassium Iodate Turpentine

Calcium Carbonate Immersion Oil Potassium Nitrate Calcium Chloride Ink Potassium Sodium Tartrate Urea

Calcium Hydroxide Inosite Potassium Sulphate Urease Calcium Nitrate Insecticide Potato Starch Uric Acid Cane Sugar Inorganic Salts Propanol Urine Carbolic Acid Iso-Propanol Propylene Glycol

Carbol Xylene

Pyridine Vanillin Carbon Ketones

Vaseline

Carbon Tetrachloride

Raffinose Vinegar Casein Lactic Acid Rhamnose

Castor Oil Lactose Rochelle Salt Water Cedarwood Oil Lead Acetate

Water Soluble Colours

Cement Lead Nitrate Saccharose Chloral Hydrate Levulose Salicyclic Acid Xylene

Cholesterol Lipstick Salicyclic Aldehyde Chlorobenzene Lithium Carbonate Saponin Yeast

Chloroform

Soap

List 2: Trespa sheets have a limited resistance to the following chemicals especially in diluted or fluid form. This means that, if these chemicals are spilt on the surface, they should be removed within 10 to 15 minutes with a wet cloth and the surface subsequently wiped dry.

Note: A limited number of colours are sensitive to acids due to the chemical composition of the pigments (eg. chromate dyes). In case of doubt contact the manufacturer for advice with regard to colour selection.

Aluminium Chloride Hair Bleaching Agents Nitric Acid* Silver Nitrate Amino Sulphonic Acid* Hair Colouring Agents

Sodium Bisulphate

Aniline Dyes Hydrochloric Acid* Oxalic Acid Sodium Hydroxide Arsenic Acid* Hydrogen Peroxide

Sodium Hypochloride

Picric Acid Sodium Thiosulphate

Crystal Violet Iodine Solution Phosphoric Acid* Sulphuric Acid* Esbach’s Reagent Inorganic Acids* Potassium Bisulphate Sulphurous Acid*

Potassium Chromate

Ferric Chloride Mercury Chloride Solution Potassium Dichromate Formic Acid* Mercury Dichromate Potassium Hydroxide*

Ferrous Chloride Solution Methylene Blue Potassium Iodide

Fuchsin Solution Millons Reagent Potassium Permanganate

* In concentrations up to 10%

List 3: The aggressive gases and vapours mentioned in this list cause changes in the Trespa surface, and must therefore be removed immediately.

Acetic Acid (Glacial) Aqua Regis* Perchloric Acid* Hydrogen Bromide* Arsenic Acid* Hydrochloric Acid* Amino Sulphonic Acid* Sulphuric Acid*

Phosphoric Acid* Nitric Acid* Chrome-Sulphuric Acid* * All the above in concentrations greater than 10%

2.10 POSITIONING OF THE FUME CUPBOARD The location of the fume cupboard should be carefully considered, as building & personnel disturbances can adversely affect the performance of the fume cupboard. Listed below are recommendations for determining a suitable location for the positioning of the fume cupboard. However, due to the space limitations of school laboratories, it is seldom possible to meet all the recommendations listed below and therefore compromise is often necessary. Minimum distances to avoid disturbances to operation of the fume cupboard

1) The distance from the working aperture to any circulation space must be at least 1000mm. 2) There should be no opposite wall (or other obstruction likely to affect the airflow) within

2000mm of the working aperture.

3) No fume cupboard should be installed in a position where it is likely to be affected by any other item of equipment. In particular, no other fume cupboard should be less than 3000mm from the working aperture.

4) Any room air supply inlets should not be located within 3000mm of the working aperture.

5) No fume cupboard should be positioned with either side closer than 300mm from a wall or

similar obstruction.

6) No large obstruction (eg. Architectural column) in front of the plane of the working aperture should be within 300mm of the side of the fume cupboard.

7) No doorway or opening window should be within 1500mm of the sash or within 1000mm of the

side of a fume cupboard except where a door includes an air transfer grille. Visibility

1) The minimum distances may need to be increased in practice to provide sufficient space for pupils to gather round to observe experiments.

2) For demonstration purposes, an unobstructed working zone of 2m radius from the centre of the

fume cupboard is recommended. This zone would accommodate 15-20 pupils, with some sitting and others standing.

3) In practice, 2m is difficult to achieve and the minimum radius of 1.5m is more realistic.

4) Even if a fume cupboard is not required for demonstration to the whole class, a minimum

radius of 1.5m is recommended to allow for pupils watching or waiting to use it.

5) Fume cupboards in prep rooms can abut benches as they are not normally used for demonstration and so do not require visibility from 3 sides.

Air inlets

1) The relationship of a fume cupboard to air inlets should be such that the flow of air to the fume cupboard is nearly perpendicular to its face.

2) Increasing the distance from doors and windows minimises the effects of disturbances, caused by doors opening and shutting and fluctuations in the wind. (If a fume cupboard has to be near a door, draughts caused by its opening and shutting can be reduced by the fitting of an air transfer grille and a suitable door closer.)

Obstructions

1) The area in front of the sash of a fume cupboard should be as free as possible from anything which will affect the airflow to it, for example walls, pillars, tall cupboards, etc.

2) The shape of most school laboratories and the need for sufficient space round a fume

cupboard for observers make obstructions to the airflow unlikely.

3) It is important to bear in mind the need for a clear area in front of a fume cupboard when siting one in a prep room.

Circulation routes

1) A fume cupboard should be sited away from circulation routes. 2) Passers-by create eddies, causing escapes from the fume cupboard, and can distract or even

knock into its user. However, during the brief period a demonstration is likely to take, this may not be significant.

Exits to rooms

1) Fume cupboards should preferably be located away from exit doors, particularly if there is only one exit from a room. If an accident occurs in a fume cupboard or its extraction system fails, it may be necessary to evacuate the room which may be made harder if it is sited near to an exit.

2.11 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Monitoring and Maintenance COSHH Regulation 9 requires that equipment to control exposure is properly maintained. It must be thoroughly examined and tested every fourteen months and a record kept of this. Monitoring and commissioning tests and record forms with accompanying guidance notes have been agreed with the Health and Safety Executive – refer to Building Bulletin 88 for details. Who Can Conduct the Monitoring? The notes agreed with HSE include suitably trained school technicians among those capable of carrying out the fourteen monthly monitoring, providing that there is a procedure for referring borderline cases or inexplicable behaviour to a person or agency with more experience. Alternatively, the fume cupboard supplier can be engaged to carry out annual maintenance on a service agreement. Failure to Meet Monitoring Standards It is important that a fume cupboard which fails to meet the standards stipulated in Building Bulletin 88 is no longer used until it is repaired or upgraded so that it meets the standards. Alternatively, the operations carried out should be reviewed and a new assessment made of the risks to exposure; restricting the operations in various ways might enable some to be carried out but the onus would be on the employer to ensure that users were adequately protected. A fume cupboard which fails to meet standards should be appropriately labelled as out of use or be used only for carefully-defined, restricted operations. Intermediate Checking It is recommended that, as well as the fourteen monthly monitoring mentioned above, a fume cupboard be given a simple check to see that it is functioning, at lease once a week. However, it is more practicable in school and college laboratories, where fume cupboards are used at irregular intervals, if this simple check is made before each use. One means is to observe a plastic ribbon acting as an air flow indicator, securely fixed to the working aperture at a suitable point.

SECTION 3 FUME CUPBOARD MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS As detailed in section 2.11 above, maintenance can be undertaken by either suitably trained school technicians or alternatively, the fume cupboard supplier can be engaged to carry out annual maintenance on a service agreement. If you would like to engage the fume cupboard supplier to undertake the 14 monthly maintenance including face velocity testing, please refer to Section 6 for further details. 3.1 MONTHLY MAINTENANCE Note – Prior to carrying out any remedial works on the fume cupboards, all mechanical and electrical services need to be isolated. The following tests should be carried out on a monthly basis:

1) Clean outer surfaces with mild disinfectant. 2) Clean glazing with a proprietary glass cleaner. 3) Clean working level and rear baffles. 4) Check sash counterbalance mechanism for signs of damage/corrosion. Report any defects

immediately and discontinue using the fume cupboard until the problem has been rectified 5) Check fluorescent light tubes are functioning. 6) Test the operation of the RCD protected socket outlets. 7) Check natural gas and water front control valves for signs of damage and satisfactory

operation. 8) Inspect condition of electrical, mechanical and drainage flexible service connections.

3.2 14 MONTHLY MAINTENANCE Note – Prior to carrying out any remedial works on the fume cupboards, all mechanical and electrical services need to be isolated. In addition to the monthly maintenance operations, the following tests should be carried out:

1) Take a series of 9 No face velocity reading across the sash opening of the fume cupboard with the sash set to its maximum working opening of 400mm.

2) Calculate and record the average face velocity obtained. 3) Calculate if the average face velocity has dropped by more than 10% from the previous year’s

readings. If this is found to be the case the fume cupboard should be thoroughly checked to determine the cause.

4) Check if there are there any signs of deterioration or damage to the fume cupboard. If the face

velocity (as measured in 1) above) is found to be below 0.3m/s, the fume cupboard has “failed” and should not be used until the problem has been rectified.

Note - As a temporary measure, it is permissible to reduce the working opening of the fume cupboard in order to increase the face velocity to above 0.3m/s.

3.3 CLEANING THE EXTERIOR In order that the service life of the fume cupboard can extend to 10's of years, a strict discipline of house keeping should be adopted. It is recommended that the discipline of a regular cycle of fume cupboard cleaning is installed, the frequency of which will become apparent in the early days of use. Typically once per week as a minimum on a rota basis. Prevention is the best form of cure; all spillage’s are to be treated as they occur, not only to save the surface in contact with the reagents but also to protect personnel from accidental exposure. The exterior surfaces of the fume cupboard are coated with a stove epoxy polyester finish. The material is resistant to a large selection of reagents; however there are limitations to its resistance and direct contact with them is to be avoided –in particular certain organic solvents. The following cleaning method is to be adopted:- a). All electrical sockets are to be isolated and made safe. b). Using a soft damp cloth impregnated with a mild detergent, remove all surface dirt. c). Wipe dry with an absorbent cloth. d). Removal of stubborn stains can be achieved with a soft cloth wetted in a white spirit (turps) if

this presents no hazard. STRONG SOLVENTS SHOULD NOT BE USED ON ANY OCCASION

It is important to avoid abrasive cleaners as they damage the surface of the fume cupboard irreparably. At each cleaning operation the surface should be examined for damage and repaired using touch-up paint available from the manufacturer (see Section 6 for contact details).

3.4. CLEANING THE INTERIOR All electrical services are to be isolated prior to cleaning the interior of the fume cupboard. Since it is likely that toxic materials will still be present in the fume chamber after a period of use, all personnel involved in the cleaning process should be supplied with protective clothing, i.e. gauntlets, goggles, respirator (if required) and the equipment provided should be utilised fully to prevent exposure to hazardous material. Prior to commencing work in the fume chamber, all equipment is to be cleaned, made chemically safe and then removed from the fume cupboard. The interior of the fume chamber and baffle surfaces are to be washed down with warm water and detergent to which has been added a neutraliser to match the most commonly used reagent. It may be found advantageous to use a length of hose which should be attached to the water outlet and directed into the top of the fume chamber to remove hidden deposits. Particular attention should be paid to crevices and joints which should be flushed liberally with water. For a complete overhaul it will be necessary to remove the baffle in order that the back of the interior can be accessed and this can be achieved by removing the retaining setscrews. Dry all interior surfaces with a soft cloth after cleaning. The appearance of the mild steel epoxy coated surfaces can be improved by a light rubbing action with a cream cleaner on a soft cloth. The sash glazing can be washed with lukewarm water with a mild detergent. It should be allowed to dry and a proprietary brand of window glaze cleaner used to polish the panel in accordance with makers instructions. The internal seals between base and liner are formed from cured silicone rubber. The appearance of old sealant can be improved by using a dilute solution of domestic bleach on a soft paint brush and rinse with clean water.

SECTION 4 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 4.1. SPILLAGES If there is a spillage within the Fume cupboard chamber then lower the sash so that it is in the fully closed position, which will increase the face velocity, and evacuate the chamber. If the chemical is considered dangerous then evacuate the room. 4.2. SPLASHED CHEMICALS If the user splashes themselves with any chemicals then they must remove any clothing that maybe contaminated before it absorbs through to the skin. If the chemical comes into contact with the skin then wash the affected part under cold running water or other solution suitable for the chemical being used. 4.3. CONTAMINATED FUME CUPBOARD Clean the residue from the inside of the fume cupboard with a suitable solution and wear adequate protective clothing whilst doing so.

SECTION 5 AS FITTED DRAWING 04-1000-01 1000mm WIDE FIXED DUCTED FUME CUPBOARD