The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations impose a duty on employers to manage the exposure of their employees to hazardous substances. Where it's not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure, control measures must be employed to reduce it to an appropriate level. In the laboratory, fume cupboards are a significant means of controlling exposure to hazardous substances, and the main type of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) used under the COSHH Regulations.
There are many factors that might affect the performance of a fume cupboard. This can result in the fume cupboard not providing adequate protection. Information is thus provided on how to select a suitable fume cupboard and how to use it safely, including details on:
- types of fume cupboard (ducted and recirculating)
- selection
- fume cupboard specifications
- installation
- services
- maintenance and testing
- correct use
