DCHASers,
By a quick show of hands, what face velocity do all of you consider as an acceptable velocity for certifying standard chemical fume hoods in academic and research labs? OSHA is pretty vague on the issue (must provide adequate ventilation [1910.1450(e)(3)(iii)]).
Appendix A (non-mandatory) references Prudent Practices, where 80-100 is standard, up to 120 is okay for high hazard (no containment benefit proven) and 60fpm may be okay for low flow, specially designed hoods.
Before getting into too much detail, I am curious as to what all of you are considering as passing at 18in sash height, and what you are considering as failing.
Regards,
Brandon S. Chance, M.S., CCHO
Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety
Office of Risk Management
Southern Methodist University
PO Box 750231 | Dallas, TX 75275-0231
T) 214.768.2430 | M) 469-978-8664
"… our job in safety is to make the task happen, SAFELY; not to interfere with the work…" Neal Langerman