Fume cupboards are used widely in laboratories and are designed to capture and remove air-borne hazardous substances generated during laboratory experiments (e.g. gases, vapours, aerosols and particulates/dust). Work with substances that produce/generate toxic or harmful fumes, vapours, gases, dust or chemical aerosols should be carried out in a fume cupboard to eliminate or reduce the risk of exposure to an acceptable and safe level.

This guidance document is intended for all employees who may manage, maintain or use fume cupboards and provides information on the safe use, maintenance and testing of fume cupboards in use across the University.

This guidance document does not cover microbiological safety cabinets, capture hoods, downflow benches, snorkels, and other forms of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). Please refer to other SHEW guidance documents.