Introduction
A fume cupboard is a ventilated enclosure designed to safely contain and remove hazardous fumes, vapours and airborne particles from laboratory environments. It is an essential safety system used across pharmaceutical, educational and industrial settings to protect users and ensure regulatory compliance.
At The Fume Cupboard Company, we design, supply and install compliant systems tailored to your laboratory requirements across the UK.
What is a Fume Cupboard?
A fume cupboard (also known as a fume hood) is a laboratory safety cabinet that controls airflow to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. It works by drawing contaminated air away from the user and either filtering it or safely extracting it outside.
Its purpose is simple: to protect people, processes and the working environment.
What is a Fume Cupboard Used For?
Fume cupboards are used whenever hazardous materials are handled.
Common uses include:
- Handling toxic or volatile chemicals
- Containing harmful vapours and gases
- Managing fine powders and dust
- Carrying out chemical reactions
- Working with solvents safely
Typical environments:
- Pharmaceutical labs
- Schools and universities
- Industrial research facilities
- Healthcare laboratories
How Does a Fume Cupboard Work
A fume cupboard protects users by controlling airflow.
The process:
- Air is drawn into the front opening
- Contaminated air is contained inside the unit
- Air is either filtered or extracted safely
Key components:
- Sash (adjustable front panel)
- Airflow system
- Filters or ducting
Learn more about airflow and system design in our detailed guide on ducted vs recirculating fume cupboards.
Types of Fume Cupboards
Ducted Fume Cupboards
Ducted systems extract contaminated air outside the building.
Benefits:
- High level of protection
- Suitable for hazardous chemicals
- Continuous airflow removal
Recirculating Fume Cupboards
These systems filter air and return it safely to the room.
Benefits:
- No external ducting required
- Lower installation costs
- Energy efficiency
Choosing the Right System
The right solution depends on:
- Chemicals used
- Frequency of use
- Lab layout
- Compliance requirements
👉 Browse our range of fume cupboards to find the right system for your application.
Fume Cupboard Regulations in the UK
Fume cupboards must comply with strict UK safety standards, including:
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
- BS EN 14175
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), proper control measures are required when working with hazardous substances:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/
Regular testing ensures:
- Correct airflow performance
- User safety
- Legal compliance
👉 Learn more about our fume cupboard maintenance and testing services.
Why Fume Cupboards Are Essential for Safety
Without proper ventilation systems, laboratories face significant risks:
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Fire and explosion hazards
- Long-term health issues
Key benefits:
✔ Protects staff and students
✔ Ensures regulatory compliance
✔ Improves laboratory safety
✔ Supports reliable results
How to Choose the Right Fume Cupboard
Choosing the correct system is critical for both safety and performance.
Consider:
- Type of substances handled
- Laboratory space
- Budget
- Compliance requirements
👉 Not sure where to start? Contact our team for expert advice tailored to your needs
Installation, Maintenance and Testing
A fume cupboard must be properly installed and maintained to work effectively.
Why it matters:
- Poor installation reduces performance
- Lack of testing increases risk
- Non-compliance can lead to penalties
Our services include:
- System design
- Professional installation
- Routine servicing
- Compliance testing
Why Choose The Fume Cupboard Company
Why Choose The Fume Cupboard Company
We provide complete, compliant solutions for laboratories across the UK.
What sets us apart:
- Bespoke system design
- Compliance-first approach
- Nationwide service
- Expert support from start to finish
Conclusion
A fume cupboard is a vital piece of laboratory safety equipment designed to control hazardous fumes and protect users. Understanding how these systems work—and choosing the right one—ensures safety, compliance and efficiency.
Speak to The Fume Cupboard Company today to find the right solution for your laboratory.