Extracts of test requirements governing laboratory furniture

Workplace Regulation (ArbStättV Section 4 para. 3): "The employer must regularly maintain and check the correct operation of safety equipment to prevent or eliminate hazards, such as extraction systems and ventilation systems.”

Guidelines for Laboratories DGUV Information 213-850 & Technical Rules for Hazardous Materials TRGS 526, Section 7.3: "Fume cupboards need to be regularly maintained and their correct operation checked and documented. The checks must be carried out at least once a year by a qualified person.”

Technical Rules for Hazardous Materials TRGS 526, Section 7.4: "Safety cabinets for flammable liquids must be regularly checked by a qualified person. The closing systems for doors and connections, the seals and the air exchange in particular need to be taken into account.”
 

Testing requirements for laboratory furniture

The following regulations governing the annual maintenance of laboratory fume cupboards and safety cabinets currently apply in Germany:

• Workplace Regulation (ArbStättV Section 4 para. 3)
• Guidelines for Laboratories DGUV Information 213-850
• Technical Regulations for Hazardous Materials TRGS 526

The following regulations governing the annual maintenance of laboratory fume cupboards and safety cabinets currently apply in Austria

• Workplace Regulation (AStV Section 13 para. 1)    

Definition of inspection and maintenance

Definition of inspection: Inspection, as defined in DIN 31051: 1985-01, determines and evaluates the current status of the technical equipment within a system (so-called Actual status). The inspection is limited to the checking and testing of technical laboratory furniture.

Definition of maintenance: Maintenance, as defined in DIN 31051:1985-01, is understood as measures with which the status required for the operation of systems is preserved (so-called Target status). This is primarily achieved by cleaning, lubricating, oiling, setting and adjusting the technical equipment of the system.