WS2 FUME CUPBOARD PERFORMANCE CHECK This exercise is adapted from Appendices E & F of Australian Standard 2243.8 Safety in laboratories: Fume cupboards. 1. PURPOSE This exercise determines how well a fume cupboard is meeting Australian Standard specifications. 2. SUMMARY The face velocity of air through the cupboard window is measured with a vane anemometer, while the presence of turbulence is checked using a Dragar smoke tube. The three operational requirements to be tested are: an average face velocity of 0.5-1.0 m/s for the fully opened window, with a maximum variation of 20% from average a minimum turnover of 5 cupboard volumes per minute no turbulence causing air to escape into the laboratory 3. REAGENTS & EQUIPMENT 3.1 Tape measure 3.2 Dragar smoke tube 3.3 Vane anemometer 4. PROCEDURE 4A. Face velocity measurements 4.1 Turn the fume cupboard on and allow one minute to stabilise. 4.2 Lift the window to fully opened. 4.3 Measure the dimensions of the opening. 4.4 Measure the face velocity at each point shown on the Results Sheet. The anemometer will take around 15 seconds to read correctly, and will fluctuate, so take an average reading over 10 seconds. 4B. Volumetric capacity 4.5 Measure the internal dimensions of the fume cupboard. Assume it is a regular shape do not attempt to compensate for small gaps/ledges etc. 4.6 Lower the window to fully closed. 4.7 Measure the dimensions of the opening. 4.8 Measure the face velocity at each point shown on the Results Sheet. 4C. Smoke test Record all results as in the table below. Good Satisfactory Dangerous Smoke travels straight to exhaust without reverse flows or eddies Reverse flows or eddies may be present but not to the extent that smoke escapes from the fume cupboard Reverse flows or eddies can escape from the fume cupboard
4.9 Lift the window to fully opened. 4.10 Release smoke around the perimeter of the opening. 4.11 Release smoke along the floor of the fume cupboard, starting at the front. 4.12 Release smoke around the internal walls. 4.13 Release smoke near any items in the fume cupboard. 4.14 Lower the window to half-way. 4.15 Release smoke around the perimeter of the opening. 4.16 Lower the window to fully closed. 4.17 Release smoke around the perimeter of the opening. 4D. Location of fume cupboards 4.18 Check the siting of the fume cupboard, based on the requirements of AS2243.8 Section 4.1, excerpted in Appendix 3. 5. REQUIREMENTS Complete the Results Sheet provided. 6. REPORT Calculations 4A. Face velocity measurements calculate the average face velocity for the seven measurements with window fully open calculate the maximum variation in the individual measurements from the average 4B. Volumetric capacity calculate the area of the opening with the window fully open calculate the area of the opening with the window closed to minimum calculate the average face velocity based on the three measurements made with the window closed to minimum calculate the volumetric capacity (in m 3 /min) with the window fully open and fully closed calculate the internal volume of the fume cupboard calculate the number of cupboard air volume changes per minute fully open and fully closed Question Are the operating requirements met? Tabulate the results, requirements and a PASS/FAIL for each. WS2.2
WS2. Fume Cupboard Performance Check RESULTS SHEET Location of fume cupboard Serial or identification number Date tested Items in fume cupboard when tested 4a. Face velocity Window fully open Height Width WS2.3
4B. Volumetric capacity Internal dimensions of fume cupboard Height (m) Width (m) Depth (m) Window fully closed Height 4C. Smoke test Fully open Floor Walls Around items Half open Closed WS2.4
4D. Location of fume cupboards AS 2243.8 Section 4.1 Clause Satisfactory (Y/N)? 4.1.2 Height of working surface 4.1.3.1 Traffic routes 4.1.3.2 Opposing bench tops 4.1.3.3 Opposing walls 4.1.3.4 Other fume cupboards 4.1.3.6 Architectural obstacles Comments WS2.5