Fume Cupboards: A Quick Guide

Fume cupboards, sometimes referred to as fume cabinets, are a common sight in laboratories around the world. They are one of the most effective controls to minimise exposure to respirable hazardous substances.

This guidance is intended as a general introduction and does not cover other forms of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). In addition, more specific guidance and equipment may be required from your employer if you are handling specific materials or substances.

Types of fume cupboard

Fume cupboards are designed to capture and remove airborne hazardous substances generated during laboratory experiments (e.g. gases, vapours, aerosols and particulates/dust).

Substances that produce/generate toxic or harmful fumes, vapours, gases, dust or chemical aerosols should be handled in a fume cupboard to eliminate or reduce the risk of exposure to an acceptable and safe level.

Fume cupboards provide a physical barrier, offering a measure of protection against inhalation exposure, chemical spills, run-away reactions and fires.

There are two main types of fume cupboard:

• Ducted Fume Cupboards – which are the most commonly used
• Recirculating filtered fume cupboards – which are not suitable for some substances such as highly toxic chemicals

There are also specific types for certain processes:

• Perchloric acid
• Radioisotopes
• Acid Digestion
• Distillation

You must ensure that the correct type of fume cabinet is being used for the substances you are working with and the processes being carried out.

It is a legal obligation that fume cupboards are maintained appropriately to ensure they provide the level of protection needed for all who use them.