ASHRAE 110 Testing Service
Our ASHRAE 110 testing service measures airflow and containment under defined conditions. Fume hood certification records the test methods, findings and any unresolved issues. We agree on the scope and acceptance criteria with your facility team before testing.
Fume Hood Containment Test
An ASHRAE 110 testing service evaluates fume hood performance using airflow measurements, visualization and tracer gas methods within the specified scope. A fume hood containment test considers the hood and its operating conditions. We confirm the methods and acceptance criteria with your EHS or engineering team before testing.
A February 2000 study from MIT's Industrial Hygiene Office tested 12 hoods at three institutions. Average face velocity did not predict average leakage in that study, supporting evaluation of containment under defined use conditions. Greenley et al., containment study (opens in a new tab).
Annual Fume Hood Inspection Contractor
Your annual fume hood inspection contractor needs the hood inventory, site access arrangements and requested test methods before scheduling. We coordinate testing around the laboratory's activities and record the conditions observed. New installations and working laboratories may require different test setups.
- As-installed or as-used conditions identified
- Sash position and equipment configuration recorded
- Instrument and test-method information included
- Corrective findings and retesting requirements documented
Tracer Gas Fume Hood Testing
Tracer gas fume hood testing measures containment leakage at defined sampling locations. The report records the test setup, operating conditions and measured concentrations so the findings can be reviewed against the project criteria.
Velocity Grids & Smoke Visualization
Face velocity profiling records airflow across the opening at the stated sash position. Smoke visualization shows flow patterns and potential escape paths. These checks provide different information and should be interpreted together.
Fume Hood Certification Sticker
A fume hood certification sticker provides a visible summary of the tested equipment and conditions. The full report carries the supporting measurements and results. Labels are issued for qualifying equipment within the agreed scope, with unresolved findings recorded for follow-up.
Your handover can include velocity profiles, visualization findings, tracer gas results where specified and instrument calibration information. A routine annual check should not be described as a complete ASHRAE 110 containment test unless that work was included.
VAV Air Balancing for Lab HoodsASHRAE 110 and certification questions
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What does an ASHRAE 110 fume hood test measure?
ASHRAE 110 evaluates fume hood performance through airflow measurements, smoke visualization and tracer gas containment testing. It provides test methods; the project specification or facility program sets acceptance criteria. Results describe the hood's performance under the recorded test conditions.
Does annual fume hood certification include a full ASHRAE 110 test?
Not necessarily. An annual visit may cover airflow, visualization and alarms without quantitative tracer gas testing. Confirm the test methods before booking. The facility's EHS program and project requirements determine when a full containment test is needed.
How does tracer gas testing measure fume hood containment?
A controlled tracer release inside the hood is measured at defined locations near a mannequin representing the operator. Detected concentrations indicate leakage under the test conditions. The report records the setup, measured results and acceptance criteria.
What does smoke visualization reveal during fume hood testing?
Smoke makes airflow patterns visible, helping reveal turbulence, reverse flow and escape from the hood opening. It provides a qualitative view of containment. Tracer gas testing supplies quantitative leakage measurements that visual observations alone cannot provide.
What is the difference between as-installed and as-used testing?
As-installed testing evaluates an empty hood in its final laboratory location with the ventilation system operating. As-used testing evaluates the hood with its working equipment configuration. Factory performance is assessed under as-manufactured conditions. The report should identify which condition was tested.
What information is included on the certification label and report?
The label summarizes equipment identification, test date and relevant operating conditions. The report provides methods, measurements, criteria and findings. Exact label and reporting requirements are confirmed in the project scope.
Book ASHRAE 110 Testing & Annual Certification
Share your hood inventory and required test conditions so we can define the testing visit.
ASHRAE 110 and certification