The Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) is proud to announce that it has developed and finalized SEFA 9-2010 Recommended Practices for Ductless Enclosures. SEFA 9 is the culmination of nearly a decade of work by the world’s leading ductless manufacturers. The Ductless Committee met during SEFA’s semi-annual meetings. The Committee also convened during industry trade shows and held numerous interim teleconferences. During those meetings the manufacturers heard presentations from notable members of academia as well as other industry representatives. Fume hood manufacturers were also present and participated in this effort. The Committee is currently co-chaired by Kevin Gilkison of Labconco Corporation and Greg Dobbyn of AirClean Systems, Inc.

The need for Ductless Recommended Practices was first brought to the attention of SEFA by the Committee’s founding Chair, Stephan Hauville of Erlab, Inc. The formation of this Committee brought ductless manufacturers throughout the world to SEFA to participate in the formulation of this important work.

SEFA 9-2010 categorizes Ductless filtration systems into three groups – DH I, II and III.

• DH I - A ductless hood equipped with a filtration device designed to control non-toxic chemicals, nuisance odors, particulates.
• DH II - A ductless hood capable of meeting all DH I requirements, and equipped with a filtration device designed to filter manufacturer approved toxic contaminants up to filter break through only. A DH II ductless hood is not designed to provide secondary containment beyond primary filter break through.
• DH III - A ductless hood capable of meeting all DH II requirements, and equipped with a filtration device designed to filter manufacturer approved toxic contaminants beyond primary filter break through by providing secondary back-up protection.

SEFA 9-2010 requires the completion of SEFA Form 9-A, a uniform manufacturer-approved questionnaire. Completion of the form is vital to insure the safe use of a ductless hood. The form involves a two-step process. First, the end user provides the ductless manufacturer with detailed information on the first page of the form, including the name and amount of each material to be used, the equipment to be placed inside the hood, concentration levels, frequency of application, temperature, container type, evaporation rate and spill volume levels.

The second stage in the process involves the ductless manufacturer reviewing the proposed application as described on SEFA Form 9-A and then providing appropriate limits and approval of the proposed application.

Another important element of SEFA 9 is Section 5.4 which requires end-users to obtain prior written re-approval for any change in the use of the ductless enclosure.

SEFA 9-2010 also provides information regarding safe work practices, recommended usage precautions and other important factors concerning the safe use of a ductless enclosure. There is also a requirement that the manufacturer’s benchmark testing for the ductless enclosure be validated by an independent third party and that a copy of the third party testing be included in the manufacturer’s technical manual.

All of SEFA’s Recommended Practices, including SEFA 9-2010 are available for sale at sefalabs.com.