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 coordinate with building coordinators and department CAO’s to gain access to devices requiring certification. ECD owners should not see any change in workflow.
For the remainder of the fiscal year, EH&S will be covering the costs of vendor certification services. On July 1, 2025 EH&S will begin recharging colleges based on the rates negotiated with the vendor performing certification.
The current rates charged by TSS can be found HERE. Relevant prices are displayed below
The vendor will email to notify department coordinators and CAOs prior to beginning certification in the building. If access is restricted, department coordinators and CAOs should assist in providing access.
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
For annual certifications, contact your building coordinator or department CAO as they will receive status updates from FM.
If a fume hood fails at any other time, the status of your ticket can be tracked by the person who submitted the request 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, the airflow is not adequate, or the fume hood ceases proper function for any other reason, the sash should be closed and a Service Request submitted to Facilities Management through the FM website or 311 app. FM will notify you when the cause of the deficiency has been determined and again when the repair has been completed.
Yes, each device must be certified to be in compliance prior to resuming use.
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
