A Brief Guide to AS/NZS 2243-2014
Safety in Laboratories Part 8: Fume Cupboards

The Standard requires that fume cupboards are audited to a checklist.
Here is an example checklist with abbreviated description of compliance items.

  • Control valve handles marked to identify service fluid
  • Service outlets individually controlled
  • Service controls outside fume chamber
  • Electrical outlets outside fume chamber
  • Electrical outlets protected by RCD's
  • Emergency Isolator correctly labelled
  • Fault status audible and visible
  • Power failure alarm capable of 20 min duration
  • Fan runs after manual isolation of power & gas
  • Automatic low airflow isolation of power & gas
  • Manual restart for power & gas
  • 1 minute delay after fan on before power & gas available
  • Fan runs for 20 minutes after shut down, and power & gas not available
  • 400 Lx at worktop
  • Lighting sealed from fumes
  • Access to service light fitting
  • Base of fume chamber sealed to contain spills
  • Spill containment >10mm high, >5L volume
  • Sash counter-balanced
  • Sash transparent, corrosion resistant
  • Sash has mechanical upper stop, needs tool to release, auto reset
  • Sash lower stop >50mm
  • Aerodynamic sash handle
  • Removable baffles
  • Support structure suitable for chemicals, load and heat
  • Warning label fitted
  • Serial No plate fitted
  • Thermal sensor (if fitted) corrosion resistant
  • Minimum 5 air changes / minute through fume chamber
  • All exhaust duct inside the building at negative pressure
  • Airflow continuously monitored
  • No reverse air flow
  • Fan accessible for cleaning
  • Vertical discharge 3m above roof
  • Fire extinguisher provided at 4m
  • Proof of maintenance performed at least annually
Fume cupboard performance is determined by velocity test, and tracer smoke evaluation. Average face velocity must be 0.5m/sec or more. The total variation must be within 20% of the mean. Tracer smoke must not escape from the fume chamber.