We have 100 plus Fume cupboards spread over several departments. Until this year the way they were managed was a mess, so we went for a more formalised approach to be certain that we knew exactly what condition they were in at any one time.

First daily checks by users:

• Check that the air flow gauges are actually working

• Check that there is enough air flow using the built-in gauges

• Check that the fumecupboards is not contaminated or left full of rubbish by a previous user

• Check that the sash alarm works

Then monthly checks:

• Check across the aperture using an anemometer to ensure that the air flow is even across the whole front

• Check the structure and fabric of the fumecupboard to make sure that there are no holes gaps etc ( I have seen some solvents eat up fume cupboards)

Finally external annual checks ( every 14 months according to COSHH).

All checks must be recorded and initialled by the operator.