Calibration of Fume Hood, Purpose :
Calibration of Fume Hood, The purpose of this SOP is to describe the operation, calibration and cleaning of Fume Hood (Model: ESCO – EFD-4B1).
Calibration of Fume Hood, Scope :
This procedure is applicable for Fume Hood (Model: ESCO – EFD-4B1), installed in the quality control laboratory of XX Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Definitions/Abbreviation:
[][]SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
[][]QC: Quality Control
[][]Face velocity: Face velocity is the average air flow speed at the sash opening of the fume hood into the work chamber. The measurement is expressed in m/sec or fpm.
Responsibilities:
The roles and responsibility is as follows:
Officer/Executive/Sr. Executive, Quality Control
[][]To ensure that the instructions of this procedure are correctly followed.
[][]To ensure the equipment is left clean and tidy after use.
Manager, Quality Control
[][]To ensure that this procedure is kept up to date.
[][]To confirm that the SOP is technically sound and reflects the required working practices.
[][]To arrange training on the SOP to all concerned personnel and to ensure implementation of the SOP after training.
[][]Schedule calibration of the instrument at the defined intervals.
Head of Quality Assurance
[][]To ensure the overall implementation of the SOP.
[][]Approval of the SOP.
Procedure:
Precaution(s):
[][]Relevant safety data sheet and safety guidelines must be followed when handling chemicals and reagents.
[][]Hazardous and fuming materials must be handled in fume hood.
[][]Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing laboratory tasks in a fume hood.
[][]Keep head outside of the hood.
[][]Leave the front sash at the safe working height, when not in use.
[][]Follow laboratory procedure on the use of fume hood.
[][]Ensure the exhaust is operating before commencing work.
[][]Do not use the hood as storage area. Items can block airflow and interfere with containment.
[][]Do not leave uncapped bottles of chemicals in the hood.
Operation:
[][]Switch ‘ON’ the fluorescent lamp of the fume cupboard.
[][]Switch ‘ON’ the external exhaust blower/ fan.
[][]Lift the front sash to access in work area but not beyond the working height marked with yellow tape (30 cm).
[][]Work with the sash as fully lowered as possible, utilizing the sash as natural barrier to accidents which may occur in the hood.
[][]Plug in any electrical equipment used within the cabinet with electrical socket.
[][]Work as far into the hood as possible and with slow, deliberate movements, to minimize the external airflow disturbances.
[][]If performance is suspected, or an airflow alarm is triggered, terminate usage, close the sash completely and cease work.
[][]Report any fault regarding operation, maintenance or cleanliness of the cupboard to the supervisor.
[][]Leave the fume cupboard clean & dry after use.
[][]Turn the external exhaust blower/fan switch ‘OFF’.
[][]Turn the fluorescent lamp switch ‘OFF’.
Calibration:
[][]Calibrate the air flow (face velocity) of the fume cupboard six monthly.
[][]Switch ‘ON’ the fan.
[][]Open the window sash by sliding upward, 30 cm from the bottom.
[][]Take the reading by flow meter at left, right & middle of the fuming hood & record it in the calibration information sheet for Fume Hood (as per Annexure-I) for calculation.
[][]When instrument do not complies with the specified limits, label “Out of calibration” and get serviced.
Cleaning procedure:
[][]Clean the instrument once in a month or when required.
[][]Clean the work surface and walls with appropriate disinfectant agent and soap water.
[][]Clean the sash window using an appropriate agent disinfectant and glass cleaner.
[][]Use clean water to finish the cleaning and wash away any residue of disinfectant agent, soapy water and glass cleaner.
[][]Use a damp cloth to clean the exterior surface of the fume hood, particularly on the front and top in order to remove dust.
[][]Use Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone to remove stain or spot on the stainless steel surface as soon as possible.
Annexure:
Annexure-I: Calibration Information Sheet for Fume Hood.