Exposure Control Device (ECD) refers generally to all ventilated devices (engineering controls) designed to protect users from hazardous materials (vapors, gases, dusts, heat, etc.). Types of Exposure Control devices can include:
- Laboratory Fume Hoods
- Biological Safety Cabinets*
- Snorkel Exhaust Hoods
- Vented Gloveboxes
- Vented Gas Cabinets
- Downdraft/Backdraft Tables
- Dust Collection Systems
Note: This list is non-exhaustive, contact indhyg@ehs.ucla.edu if you are unsure whether your device is considered an ECD.
*Some devices such as biological safety cabinets and gloveboxes required vendor certification prior to the ECD certification program curtailment and are unaffected by this change.
ECD’s are owned by the department or faculty who have purchased additional devices to support the research.
Exposure control devices must be certified annually. Certification is valid until the last day of the same month of the following year. E.g. a device certified on October 10, 2025, must be recertified by October 31, 2026.
EH&S maintains a contract with Technical Safety Services (TSS) to perform device certification. TSS will contact department or building management as necessary to gain access to devices requiring certification. In some cases, PIs or other laboratory personnel may be contacted.
EH&S will be recharging departments based on the rates negotiated with Technical Safety Services (TSS). These rates are negotiated annually and may be subject to change.
The current rates charged by TSS can be found HERE
The vendor will make the determination whether present materials will negatively impact the device’s ability to be tested. This should be discussed with the vendor prior to scheduling testing.
The vendor will determine the appropriate testing procedure for each ECD. For example, for a standard chemical fume hood, the vendor will perform face velocity and smoke visualization tests.
Submit a Facilities Management Service Request to address the deficiency. Service Requests can be submitted online at the UCLA Facilities Management Service Request Portal, or using the UCLA 311 Mobile App. For step-by-step instructions on using the UCLA 311 Mobile App, please view the following guide: Submit a Facilities Service Request using the UCLA 311 Mobile App
If the device fails due to items and materials stored in the hood, it is the device owner’s responsibility to remove and store the materials in the appropriate location. Contact laboratorysafety@ehs.ucla.edu for guidance on proper fume hood storage practices.
IMPORTANT: If a hood has been commissioned for radioactive material use, please contact fumehoods@ehs.ucla.edu prior to submitting a service request.
This depends on the point of failure. FM can make adjustments to damper valves without touching the hood itself. Some repairs will require materials to be removed from the hood and the hood decontaminated. If repairs require the removal of materials from the hood, please ensure the Laboratory Equipment Decontamination Form is filled out and attached to the equipment before FM technicians arrive to perform repair services.
Note: It is unsafe to continue working with hazardous materials in a hood that has not passed certification
The status of your ticket can be tracked in the UCLA 311 app, or on the Facilities Management website. You can also call or email the Facilities Management Customer Service team. Details on ticket tracking and Customer Service information can be found below
If a request has not been addressed in 10 or more business days, you may contact UCLA EH&S at fumehoods@ehs.ucla.edu. Please provide the ticket number in the email. The ticket will start with an “R” followed by seven numbers, e.g. R1234567.
If the airflow monitor begins to alarm or the airflow is not adequate, the sash should be closed and a trouble ticket submitted to Facilities Management. Next steps should be taken once the cause of the deficiency has been determined.
Some indications that airflow is inadequate may include, but is not limited to: presence of odor, failure of Kimwipe/tissue test, etc.
Yes, each device must be certified to be in compliance prior to resuming use. The vendor will charge for recertification services.
Technical Safety Services can be contacted at the following email: tss_la_schedulers@techsafety.com
When attempting to schedule a return visit after device maintenance, if the vendor has not responded within 5 business days, please contact IndHyg@ehs.ucla.edu for support.
Device certification will be checked by EH&S during regularly scheduled site visits. If a device is not certified, EH&S will begin the compliance escalation process, which includes communicating with lab and departmental leadership if necessary.
Note: It is unsafe to continue working with hazardous materials in a hood that has not passed certification
Phone: (310) 206-8847
Email: service@fm.ucla.edu
