31 

Regulations, Standards
and References
Regulations:
 California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Section 5154.1, Ventilation
requirements for laboratory type hood operations
 California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5209, Carcinogens
 Carcinogens Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 10, Parts 20 and 35
 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Handbook 45, Standard on Fire
Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals
 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Handbook 99 Standard for Health Care
Facilities

Consensus Standards and References:

 American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and
Shower Equipment
 American National Standard for Laboratory Ventilation (ANSI/AIHA Z9.5)
 American National Standard for Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy (ANSI/ASHRAE 55-1992)
 The CalDAG – California Disabled Accessibility Guidebook
 Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Programs (RH 2010 4/90) (not
formally adopted) (DOHS 2010)
 “CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.” CRC Press 1995.
 “Safe Handling of Radionuclides”, International Atomic Energy Agency, Safety
Series No. 1, (1973 ed. is still current as of 1999) (IAEA)

33   

General Ventilation
Considerations
1. The room should have mechanically generated supply air and exhaust air. All lab
rooms shall use 100% outside air and exhaust to the outside. There shall be no return
of fume hood and laboratory exhaust back into the building.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 8.C, 8.D

CCR, Title 24, Part 3, Section 505.3

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-4.1

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, 4.10.3 

The air balance of the room cannot be adjusted unless there is mechanically
generated supply and exhaust air. 

2.  Mechanical climate control should be provided.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S 

 Per ASHRAE 55-1992, comfortable temperature range are defined as

follows: Winter: 69-76 °F (at 35% RH); Summer: 73-79 °F (at 60% RH)
 Electrical appliances often exhaust heat into a room (e.g., REVCO freezer, incubator,
and autoclave). Failure to take this effect into consideration may result in an
artificially warm working environment. Windows must not be opened for a cooling
effect since the room air balance will be altered. A cool room must not be heated with
a portable heater that may be a fire hazard.

3. Cabinetry or other structures or equipment must not block or reduce effectiveness

of supply or exhaust air.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Many supply diffusers and room exhaust room outlets are located along laboratory walls.
Storage of boxes near these openings may obstruct the circulation of air and supply
or exhaust air functioning.

4.  Ventilation Rates

 General laboratories using hazardous materials shall have a minimum of 6 air changes
per hour (ACH). Exhaust ventilation shall be continuous.

2013 CMC section 403.7, Table 403.7

2013 California Fire Code 5004.3

2015 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applications, Chapter 16

The Fire Code requires exhaust ventilation at 1 cfm/ft2 of floor area for dispensing, use,
and storage of hazardous materials in buildings operating above the maximum allowable
quantity (MAQ). In a room with a 10 ft. ceiling, this equates to 6 ACH. The Mechanical
Code requires a minimum exhaust ventilation rate of 1 cfm/ft2 for Educational Science
Laboratories.

 Upon consultation with EH&S, some labs may be candidates for reduced airflow
changes (from 6 ACH to 4 ACH) when unoccupied during nonbusiness hours.
 Many laboratory buildings now have laser rooms and rooms with analytic tools that
do not require hazardous materials. Such rooms have been permitted with 3 to 4 ACH.
Careful consideration should be given to not only current, but also future use of the
laboratory as research needs change. Without adequate exhaust ventilation, future use
of hazardous materials in the space will be restricted or require potentially costly
retrofitting.

5.  Laboratories must be maintained under negative pressure in relation to the

corridor or other less hazardous areas. Clean rooms requiring positive pressure
should have entry vestibules provided with door-closing mechanisms so that both
doors are not open at the same time. Consult with SU Fire Marshal for design
details. 

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 – 1992, 4.11.4-4.11.5

As a general rule, airflow should be from areas of low hazard, unless the laboratory is
used as a clean or sterile room.

6.  Where appropriate, general ventilation systems should be designed, such that, in

the event of an accident, they can be shut down and isolated to contain radioactivity.

Good Practice per Stanford University 

7.  The air velocity volume in each duct should be sufficient to prevent condensation
or liquid or condensable solids on the walls of the ducts.

Good Practice per Stanford University

The ACGIH Industrial Ventilation handbook (22nd edition) recommends a velocity of

1000- 2000 fpm.

8.  Fume hoods should not be the sole means of room air exhaust. General room
exhaust outlets shall be provided where necessary to maintain minimum air change
rates and temperature control.
 
Good Practice per Stanford University

9.  Operable windows should be prohibited in new lab buildings and should not be
used on modifications to existing buildings.

Good Practice per Stanford University

10.  Local exhaust ventilation (e.g., “snorkels” or “elephant trunks”), other than fume
hoods, shall be designed to adequately control exposures to hazardous chemicals. An
exhausted manifold or manifolds with connections to local exhaust may be provided
as needed to collect potentially hazardous exhausts from gas chromatographs,
vacuum pumps, excimer lasers, or other equipment which can produce potentially
hazardous air pollutants. The contaminant source needs to be enclosed as much as
possible, consistent with operational needs, to maximize control effectiveness and
minimize air handling difficulties and costs.

ACGIH, Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice, 23rd edition, or latest edition

Enclosure minimizes the volume of airflow needed to attain any desired degree of
containment control. This reduces fan size, motor horsepower, make up air volume, and
make up air conditioning costs.

11.  Hoods should be labeled to show which fan or ventilation system they are
connected to.

Good Practice  per Stanford University 

12.  No laboratory ventilation system ductwork shall be internally insulated.

Sounds baffles or external acoustical insulation at the source should be used for noise
control. 

Good Practice per Stanford University

Fiberglass duct liner deteriorates with aging and sheds into the space resulting in IAQ
complaints, adverse health effects, maintenance problems and significant economical
impact. Glass wool and refractory ceramic fibers are now rated as possible carcinogens by
the National Toxicology program.

13.  Air exhausted from laboratory work areas shall not pass unducted through other
areas.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-4.3

34    

Negative Pressurization
1. Airflow shall be from low hazard to high hazard areas.

Good Practice

CDC-NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 8.C, 8.D

NFPA 45,6.4.4

Anterooms may be necessary for certain applications, such as clean rooms or tissue culture
rooms. Potentially harmful aerosols can escape from the containment of the laboratory
room unless the room air pressure is negative to adjacent non-laboratory areas.
It is recommended that laboratories should contain a fully integrated laboratory control
system to control the temperature, ventilation rate and room pressurization. The control
system should constantly monitor the amount of supply and exhaust air for the laboratory
rooms and regulate the flow to maintain a net negative pressurization.

2. An adequate supply of make up air (90% of exhaust) should be provided to the lab.

Good Practice per Stanford University

3. An air lock or vestibule may be necessary in certain high-hazard laboratories to

minimize the volume of supply air required for negative pressurization control. These
doors should be provided with interlocks so that both doors cannot open at the same
time.

Good Practice per Stanford University

4. A corridor should not be used as a plenum.

Good Practice per Stanford University

35    

Supply Air Arrangements

1.  Room air currents at the fume hood should not exceed 20% of the average face
velocity to ensure fume hood containment.

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 8.C

Good Practice per Stanford University

ANSI Z9.5-2003

Z9.5-2003 allows air velocities up to 50 fpm, but lower room air velocities around hoods
cause less interference with the operation of the hood. Make up air should be injected at
low velocity through an opening with large dimensions to avoid creating jets of airflow.
An alternative is to direct air towards a ceiling that will allow the air velocity to decrease
by the time it approaches a hood.

2.  Make-up air should be introduced at opposite end of the laboratory room from the
fume hood(s) and flow paths for room HVAC systems shall be kept away from hood
locations, to the extent practical.

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.2

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-3.4 and 6-9.1

NIH Design Policy and Guidelines, Research Laboratory, 1996, D.7.7

ANSI Z9.5-2003

Air turbulence defeats the capability of hoods to contain and exhaust contaminated air.

3.  Make-up air shall be introduced in such a way that negative pressurization is

maintained in all laboratory spaces and does not create a disruptive air pattern.

Good Practice per Stanford University

4.  Cabinetry or other structures or equipment should not block or reduce

effectiveness of supply or exhaust air.

Good Practice per Stanford University 

5.  Supply system air should meet the technical requirements of the laboratory work
and the requirements of the latest version of ASHRAE, Standard 62, Ventilation for
Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.

Good Practice per Stanford University

38    

Fume Hood and Local

Exhaust Ventilation
Selection/Types
1.  General: Factors to consider when selecting a fume hood:

 Room size (length x width x height)

 Number of room air changes
 Lab heat load
 Types of materials used
 Linear feet of hood needed based on

1. number of users/hood
2. frequency of use
3. % of time working at hood
4. size of apparatus to be used in hood, etc.

A facility designed for intensive chemical use should have at least 2.5 linear feet of hood
space per student.
Good Practice per Stanford EH&S

Evaluating the operational and research needs of the users will ensure that the appropriate
type and number of hoods are integrated into the laboratory.

2.  Constant Volume Hoods

These hoods permit a stable air balance between the ventilation systems and exhaust by
incorporating a bypass feature. If bypass is 100% this allows a constant volume of air to be
exhausted through the hood regardless of sash position.

3.  Variable Air Volume (VAV) fume hoods

These hoods maintain constant face velocities by varying exhaust volumes in response to
changes in sash position. Because only the amount of air needed to maintain the specified
face velocity is pulled from the room, significant energy savings are possible when the
sash is closed. However, since these hoods cost more than up front and more maintenance,
effective sash management (e.g., pull sash closed when not using hood) is necessary.

4.  Supply or auxiliary air hoods

These hoods are not permitted, unless an exception is granted by EH&S.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

It is very difficult to keep the air supply and exhaust of supply hoods properly balanced. In
addition, the supply air is intemperate, causing discomfort for those working in the hot or
cold air stream. As a result, the supply vent is often either shut or blocked off, which
eliminates any potential benefit of this type of hood. Finally, the presence and movement
of the user’s body in the stream of supply air creates turbulence that degrades the
performance of the hood.

5.  Ductless Fume Hoods: Portable, non-ducted fume hoods are generally not
permitted; however, a portable hood may be used for limited applications (e.g., used
inside of an existing hood for a special application, such as odor control). Such
applications must be reviewed and approved by EH&S on a case-by-case basis.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, 5.16

Portable hoods often do not meet the regulatory airflow requirements. Filters used with
these units must be changed frequently and vary in filtration effectiveness from chemical
to chemical. Experience has demonstrated that an OSHA compliance officer may require
quarterly monitoring of hood exhaust to demonstrate the effectiveness of the filtration in
the given application and the corresponding protection of the workers occupying the space.
These hoods are often misused.

6.  Perchloric/Hot Acid Hoods: 

a)  Heated perchloric acid shall only be used in a laboratory hood specifically

designed for its use and identified as “For Perchloric Acid Operations.” (Exception:
Hoods not specifically designed for use with perchloric acid shall be permitted to be
used where the vapors are trapped and scrubbed before they are released into the
hood.)

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-11.1

Heated perchloric acid will give off vapors that can condense and form explosive
perchlorates. Limited quantities of perchloric acid vapor can be kept from condensing in
laboratory exhaust systems by trapping or scrubbing the vapors at the point of origin.

b) Perchloric acid hoods and exhaust duct work shall be constructed of materials that
are acid resistant, nonreactive, and impervious to perchloric acid. 

8 CCR 5154.1(e)(7)

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-11.2

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 

c) The exhaust fan should be acid resistant and spark-resistant. The exhaust fan
motor should not be located within the duct work. Drive belts should not be located
within the duct work.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-11.3 

d)  Ductwork for perchloric acid hoods and exhaust systems shall take the shortest
and straightest path to the outside of the building and shall not be manifolded with
other exhaust systems. Horizontal runs shall be as short as possible, with no sharp
turns or bends. The duct work shall provide a positive drainage slope back into the
hood. Duct shall consist of sealed sections. Flexible connectors shall not be used.

NFPA, Chapter 6-11.4

e)  Sealants, gaskets, and lubricants used with perchloric acid hoods, duct work, and
exhaust systems shall be acid resistant and nonreactive with perchloric acid.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-11.5

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5

f)  A water spray system shall be provided for washing down the hood interior behind
the baffle and the entire exhaust system. The hood work surface shall be watertight
with a minimum depression of 13 mm (1⁄2 inch) at the front and sides. An integral
trough shall be provided at the rear of the hood to collect wash-down water.

8 CCR 5154.1(e)(7)

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-11.6

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5

Perchloric acid is a widely used reagent know to produce flammable or explosive reaction
products; hence, the need to have wash down capabilities after each use to remove
residues. A watertight surface will contain any chemical spills or leaks from leaking to
underneath hood.
g) Spray wash-down nozzles shall be installed in the ducts no more than 5 ft. apart.
The ductwork shall provide a positive drainage slope back into the hood. Ductwork
shall consist of sealed sections, and no flexible connectors shall be used.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-11.4

h) The hood surface should have an all-welded construction and have accessible
rounded corners for cleaning ease.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Access for cleaning is an important design feature.

i) The hood baffle shall be removable for inspection and cleaning.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-11.7

j) Each perchloric acid hood must have an individually designated duct and exhaust
system.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 

7.  Radioactive Material Use

a)  Laboratory hoods in which radioactive materials are handled shall be identified

with the radiation hazard symbol.

NFPA, Chapter A-6-12.1

b)  Fume hoods intended for use with radioactive isotopes must be constructed of
stainless steel or other materials that will not be corroded by the chemicals used in
the hood.

NCRP Report # 8

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.3

DOHS2010

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.

c)  The interior of all radioisotope hoods must have coved corners to facilitate
decontamination.

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.3

DOHS2010

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

Cracks and crevices are difficult to decontaminate.

d) The hood exhaust may require filtration by HEPA or Charcoal HEPA filters.
Where such is the likelihood, the hood must have a bag-out plenum for mounting
such filters and fan capacity for proper operation of the hood with the filter installed.
The most appropriate location for the plenum is near the exhaust port of the fume
hood (i.e., proximal to the hood).

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.3

DOHS2010

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

e) Hoods used for radioactivity should have sashes with horizontal sliding glass panels
mounted in a vertical sash. 

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.3

DOHS2010

10 CFR 20

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides 

f) The cabinet on which the hood is installed shall be adequate to support shielding
for the radioactive materials to be used therein.

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.3

DOHS2010

10 CFR 20

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

g) In general, glove boxes with HEPA filtered exhausts shall be provided for
operations involving unsealed radioactive material that emit alpha particles. Consult
with the Radiation Safety Program for specific requirements.

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.3

DOHS2010

10 CFR 20

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 4th Ed.

IAEA, Safe Handling of Radionuclides

8.  American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Hoods: Must consult with Stanford
University’s ADA Compliance Office regarding the number lab hoods to install in
facilities, which are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities –
recommend minimally one ADA hood per laboratory floor. These hoods must
provide appropriate worksurface heights, knee clearances, reach to controls, etc. to
individuals in wheelchairs.

The CalDAG – California Disabled Accessibility Guidebook

The location of at least one ADA hood per floor will enable disabled individuals to
conduct their research without having to transport chemicals, etc. in elevators.

9.  Glove Boxes: Glove boxes (positive and negative) must meet the type, design and
construction of requirements ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-1992, 5.14.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5

10.  Walk-in Fume Hoods: These hoods must meet the type, design and construction
requirements of ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-1992, 5.13.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5

11.  Special Purpose Hoods: These hoods include enclosures for operations for
which other types of hoods are not suitable (e.g., enclosures for analytical balances,
histology processing machines, special mixing stations, evaporation racks). These
hoods must be designed per ANSI Z9.2 and the Industrial Ventilation manual.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5

Industrial Ventilation – A Manual of Recommended Practice (ACGIH)

3 10
   

Fume Hood Construction,

Installation &
Performance
1.  New hoods can be mounted above a chemical storage cabinet, provided that the
cabinet meets the Uniform Fire Code requirements for construction.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Recommend that solvent storage not be located under the laboratory fume hood, as this
location is where fires are most likely to occur in laboratories.

2.  Type 316 stainless steel should be used for all parts of the fume hood system
ventilation duct as long as compatibility is maintained.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

This material affords good, general corrosion, impact and vibration resistance.

3.  Fume hood interior surfaces shall be constructed of corrosion resistant, non-

porous, non-combustible materials such as type 316 stainless steel, and should be
smooth and impermeable, with rounded corners. These materials shall have a flame
spread index of 25 or less when tested in accordance with NFPA method 255,
Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. 

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-8.1.1, 6-11.2, 6-11.6

NFPA 99, 5-4.3.3

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-1992, 5.12

Type 316 stainless steel (SS 316) is specified to avoid corrosion, thereby extending fume
hood life. Splashes of liquid containing radioactive materials can be easily cleaned when
hoods are constructed of non-porous materials such as stainless steel. Perchloric acid
digestion over time may result in the condensation and consequential formation of
perchlorate crystals, which in large quantities pose an explosion hazard, especially if
combined with organic chemical condensate.

4.  Hood inserts are only permitted for radioactive iodination procedures specifically
approved by the Stanford Radiation Safety Officer. 

5.  Laboratory hoods shall be provided with a means of containing minor spills.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-9.1.3

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, 5.2

The means of containing minor spills might consist of a 6.4-mm (1⁄4 in.) recess in the work
surface, use of pans or trays, or creation of a recess by installing a curb across the front of
the hood and sealing the joints between the work surface and the sides, back, and curb of
the hood.

6.  There must be a horizontal bottom airfoil inlet at the front of the hood.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, 5.2

The air foil at the front of the hood floor assures a good sweep of air across the working
surface toward the back of the hood. This minimizes the generation of turbulents or eddy
currents at the entrance to the hood.

7.  Adjustable baffles with horizontal slots must be present in the fume hood interior
at the back and top.
ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, 5.2

Locating the slots in this manner will attain reasonably uniform face velocity under
different conditions of hood use as related to heat sources, size, and configuration of
equipment in hood.

8.  Before a new fume hood is put into operation, an adequate supply of make up air
must be provided to the lab.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S   

A fume hood exhausts a substantial amount of air. For this reason, additional make up air
must be brought into the room to maintain a proper air balance.

9.  Face Velocity:

Laboratory fume hoods shall provide a minimum average effective face velocity of
100 feet per minute (fpm), with a minimum of 70 fpm at any point.

Ref: 8 CCR 5154.1(c)

10.  Certification: See Stanford University’s laboratory fume hood performance and
certification protocol at:

Laboratory Fume Hood – Performance Criteria and Certification Protocol

11.  Where the required velocity can be obtained by partly closing the sash, the sash
and/or jamb shall be marked to show the maximum opening at which the hood face
velocity will meet the requirements.

CCR, Title 8, Section 5154.1(e)(1)

12.  An airflow indicator shall be provided and located so that it is visible from the
front of the fume hood.

CCR, Title 8, Section 5154.1(e)(3)

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-8.7.1

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-1992, 5.8

Follow manufacturer’s procedures for calibration of air flow indicator during installation.
Follow manufacturer’s schedule for periodic calibration and maintenance parameters
thereafter. Performance criteria for various airflow indicators are as follows:

o Kim Wipes: Shows inward flow.

o Magnahelic Gauges: Mark on gauge inches water read when average face velocity at 100
fpm.
o FPM Readout: Average readout is 100 fpm.
o Audio/Visual Alarms: Go into alarm mode if average face velocity drops to 80 fpm.

13.  Baffles shall be constructed so that they may not be adjusted to restrict the
volume of air exhausted through the laboratory hood.
NFPA 45, Chapter 6-8.1.2

14.  Fans should run continuously without local control from hood location and
independently of any time clocks. 

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

If users have ability to shut off hoods or control their use with a time clock, there is a
potential for users to conduct research in a hood that is not operating.

15.  For new installations or modifications of existing installations, controls for

laboratory hood services (eg., gas, air, and water) should be located external to the
hood and within easy reach.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-8.5.1

16.  Shutoff valves for services, including gas, air, vacuum, and electricity shall be
outside of the hood enclosure in a location where they will be readily accessible in the
event of fire in the hood. The location of such a shut-off shall be legibly lettered in a
related location on the exterior of the hood.

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.6

17.  Laboratory hoods shall not have an on/off switch located in the laboratory.
Exhaust fans shall run continuously without direct local control from laboratories.

Good Practice per Stanford University

18.  Drying ovens shall not be placed under fume hoods.

Good Practice per Stanford University

3 11
   

Fume Hood Power and

Electrical
1.  Chemical fume hood exhaust fans should be connected to an emergency power
system in the event of a power failure.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

This backup power source will ensure that chemicals continue to be exhausted. EH&S
recognizes that it may not be practical to provide emergency power sufficient to maintain
fume hood functioning at normal levels but recommends an emergency supply of at least
half of the normal airflow.

2.  Emergency power circuits should be available for fan service so that fans will
automatically restart upon restoration after a power outage and supply at least half
of the normal airflow. 

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S 

Continual fan service will ensure that hazardous materials are exhausted continually.

3.  Momentary or extended losses of power shall not change or affect any of the
control system’s setpoints, calibration settings, or emergency status. After power
returns, the system shall continue operation, exactly as before, without the need for
any manual intervention. Alarms shall require manual reset, should they indicate
a potentially hazardous condition.

4.  Fume hood ventilating controls should be arranged so that shutting off the
ventilation of one fume hood will not reduce the exhaust capacity or create an
imbalance between exhaust and supply for any other hood connected to the same
system.

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.4

5.  In installations where services and controls are within the hood, additional
electrical disconnects shall be located within 15m (50ft) of the hood and shall be
accessible and clearly marked. (Exception: If electrical receptacles are located
external to the hood, no additional electrical disconnect shall be required).

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-8.4.1

Locating services, controls, and electrical fixtures external to the hood minimizes the
potential hazards of corrosion and arcing.

6.  Hood lighting shall be provided by UL-listed fixtures external to the hood or, if
located within the hood interior, the fixtures shall meet the requirements of NFPA 70,
(National Electrical Code).

NFPA 45, Chapter 3-6

7.  Light fixtures should be of the fluorescent type, and replaceable from outside the
hood. Light fixtures must be displaced or covered by a transparent impact resistant
vapor tight shield to prevent vapor contact.

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Fluorescent bulbs radiate less heat than conventional bulbs while maintaining a safe and
illuminated work area inside the hood.

8.  The valves, electrical outlets and switches for utilities serving hoods should be
placed at readily accessible locations outside the hood. All shutoff valves should be
clearly labeled. Plumbing (e.g., vacuum lines) should exit the sides of the fume hood
and not the bench top.
NFPA 45, Chapter 6-8.5.1

NFPA 99, Chapter 5-4.3.6 (Health Care) 

Good Practice per Stanford University 

3 12
   

Sashes
1.  Hoods shall have transparent movable sashes constructed of shatter-resistance,
flame resistant material and capable of closing the entire front face.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003,

8 CCR 5154.1(c)

Good Practice per Stanford University

2.  Vertical-rising sashes are preferred. If horizontal sashes are used, sash panels
(horizontal sliding) must be 12 to 14 inches in width.

Good Practice per Stanford University

Sashes may offer extra protection to lab workers since they can be positioned to act as a
shield.

3.  A force of five pounds shall be sufficient to move vertically and/or horizontally

moving doors and sashes.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003, 3.1.1

3 13
   

Ducting
1.  Hood exhausts should be manifolded together except for: 

 Perchloric/hot acid hoods

 hoods with washdown equipment
 hoods that could deposit highly hazardous residues on the ductwork
 exhaust requiring HEPA filtration or other special air cleaning
  situations where the mixing of exhausted materials may result in a fire, explosion, or
chemical reaction hazard in the duct system

Manifolded fume hood exhaust ducts shall be joined inside a fire rated shaft or
mechanical room, or outside of the building at the roofline.

CCR, Title 8, Section 5143

NFPA 45 

2.  Horizontal ducts must slope at least 1 inch per 10 feet downward in direction of
airflow to a suitable drain or sump. 

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-1992, 6.1

Liquid pools and residue buildup which can result from condensation may create a
hazardous condition if allowed to collect.

3.  Ducts exhausting air from fume hoods should be constructed entirely of non-
combustible material. Gaskets should be resistant to degradation by the chemicals
involved and fire resistant.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-5.1 

4.  Automatic fire dampers shall not be used in laboratory hood exhaust systems. Fire
detection and alarm systems shall not be interlocked to automatically shut down
laboratory hood exhaust fans.

NFPA 45, Chapter 6-10

Fire dampers are not allowed in hood exhaust ducts. Normal or accidental closing of a
damper may cause an explosion or impede the exhausting of toxic, flammable, or
combustible materials in the event of a fire.

3 14
   

Exhaust
1. New exhaust fans should be oriented in an up-blast orientation.
Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Any other type of fan orientation increases the fan work load and increases
the risk of exhaust emission re-entrainment.

2.  Hood exhaust stacks shall extend at least 7 feet above the roof.
Discharge shall be directed vertically upward.
 CCR, Title 8, Section 5154.1(e)(4)(D)

If parapet walls are present, EHS recommends that stacks extend at least 2
feet above the top of a parapet wall or at least 7 feet above the roof,
whichever is greater.

Note: The University Architect/Planning Office must be contacted if any

building feature, such as exhaust stacks, extend above the roofline.

3.  Hood exhausts shall be located on the roof as far away from air
intakes as possible to preclude re-circulation of laboratory hood
emissions within a building. For toxic gas applications, the separation
distance shall be at least 75 feet from any intake. 
CCR, Title 8; Section 5154.1(e)(4)

SCCo Toxic Gas Ordinance No. NS-517.44

As future gas necessities are difficult to predict, EH&S recommends at least

75 feet for all applications.

4.  Discharge from exhaust stacks must have a velocity of at least 3,000

fpm. Achieving this velocity should not be done by the installation of a
cone type reducer. The duct may be reduced, but the duct beyond the
reduction should be of sufficient length to allow the air movement to
return to a linear pattern.
ANSI Z..95-2003, 5.3.5

Good Practice per Stanford University EH&S

Strobic-type exhaust fans may be used to address exhaust velocity needs.

5.  Rain caps that divert the exhaust toward the roof are prohibited. 
CCR, Title 8; Section 5154.1(e)(4)

6.  Fume hood exhaust is not required to be treated (e.g., filtered or

scrubbed) except…

when one of the following substances is used with a content greater than
the percent specified by weight or volume: 

Chemical CAS Reg # Percent

2-Acetylaminofluorene 53936 1.0

4-Aminodiphenyl 92671 0.1

Benzidine (and its salts) 92875 0.1

3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine 91941 1.0

4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene 60117 1.0

alpha-Naphthylamine 134327 1.0

beta-Naphthylamine 91598 0.1

4-Nitrobiphenyl 92933 0.1

N-Nitrosodimethylamine 62759 1.0

beta-Propiolactone 57578 1.0

bis-Chloromethyl ether 542881 0.1

Methyl chloromethyl ether 107302 0.1

Ethyleneimine 151564 1.0

CCR, Title 8, Section 5209(b)11

1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane

Asbestos

Vinyl Chloride

Acrylonitrile

Inorganic Arsenic

Ethylene Dibromide

Ethylene Oxide

Methylene Chloride
Good Practice 
or when used for radioisotope work. In this instance, the fume hood
exhaust treatment system must be approved by the SU Radiation Safety
Officer prior to installation and use.

7.  Laboratory ventilation exhaust fans shall be spark-proof and

constructed of materials or coated with corrosion resistant materials
for the chemicals being transported. V-belt drives shall be conductive.
NFPA 45

8.  Vibration isolators shall be used to mount fans. Flexible connection

sections to ductwork, such as neoprene coated glass fiber cloth, shall
be used between the fan and its intake duct when such material is
compatible with hood chemical use factors.
Good Practice per Stanford University 

9.  Each exhaust fan assembly shall be individually matched (cfm,

static pressure, brake horsepower, etc.) to each laboratory ventilation
system.
Industrial Ventilation Manual 

10.  Exhaust fans shall be located outside the building at the point of

final discharge. Each fan shall be the last element of the system so that
the ductwork through the building is under negative pressure.
8 CCR 5154.1(e)(6)

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5,

An exhaust fan located other than at the final discharge point can
pressurize the duct with contaminated air. Fume hood ducts must be
maintained under negative pressure.

11.  Fans shall be installed so they are readily accessible for

maintenance and inspection without entering the plenum. If exhaust
fans are located inside a penthouse, PPE needs for maintenance
workers shall be considered.
NFPA 45
3 16   

Noise
1.  System design must provide for control of exhaust system noise (combination of
fan-generated noise and air-generated noise) in the laboratory. Systems must be
designed to achieve an acceptable Sound Pressure Level (SPL) frequency spectrum
(room criterion) as described in the 1991 HVAC Applications Handbook.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, 10

1991 HVAC Applications Handbook

Acceptable SPL may vary depending on the intended room use. A Noise Criteria (NC)
curve of 55 dBA is generally adequate for a standard laboratory.

3 17   

Specialty, Controlled
Climate, And Cold Rooms
1.  The issue of ventilation in cold rooms during periods of occupancy or for storage
of hazardous materials must be addressed. EH&S should be consulted to review
arrangements for providing fresh and exhaust air during periods of occupancy and
for storage of hazardous materials or compressed gases.

Good Practice per Stanford University

Cold Rooms used only for the storage of non-hazardous materials do not require
ventilation in addition to that specified by the manufacturer.

2.  Specialty rooms, designed for human occupancy must have latches that can be
operated from the inside to allow for escape.

Good Practice per Stanford University

3.  Latches and frames shall be designed to allow actuation under all design
conditions, such as freezing. Magnetic latches are recommended.

Good Practice per Stanford University

4.  Doors of walk-in specialty rooms must have viewing windows and external light
switches. 

Good Practice per Stanford University

3 18
   

Lab Hood
Commissioning
1.  Proper operation of fume hoods must be demonstrated by the contractor installing
the fume hood prior to project closeout. The recommended containment performance
test is ANSI/ASHRAE 110.

ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003, 6.3.7

See certification requirements, Section 3.10, #10.