Laboratory Fume Hoods

Laboratory fume hoods and bench scale laboratory equipment used for chemical and physical analysis, usually vent separately from the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and not recirculated into the building. Accordingly, volatile toxic air contaminants (TACs) generated by a laboratory activity will emit to the atmosphere directly from the laboratory fume hoods.

For minimizing the emission of toxic air contaminants, facilities should follow “Responsible Laboratory Management Practice” that includes all of the following measurements:

1. Open container procedures involving materials that contain volatile TACs shall be avoided where feasible.
2. Open container storage of volatile hazardous chemical wastes shall be avoided.
3. Training for laboratory employees handling hazardous materials shall include information about minimizing the emissions of volatile TACs. Their employees shall be directed to avoid open container procedures involving volatile TACs where feasible, and to avoid open container storage of hazardous chemical waste.
4. Fume hoods shall be posted with notices reminding employees to avoid open container procedure using volatile TACs where feasible. Laboratories shall be inspected periodically, but not less than annually, to confirm that these notices are present.
5. Laboratory fume hoods shall be monitored periodically to assure proper face velocity.
6. Evaporation of any hazardous chemical waste containing TACs as a means of disposal shall be expressly forbidden.

Who Needs a Permit?

A Permit to Operate is required for each of the following equipment and operation:

• Laboratory operations using fume hoods and bench scale laboratory equipment that do not meet the exemption requirements in District Rule 201 Sources Not Requiring Permits, Section 4.21.

Permit Fees 

New Installations:

Dust collection systems are required to submit a one-time NEW APPLICATION fee for applying Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate (Rule 300 District Fees).

Modifications:

For modifications resulting in any physical change or change in method of operation shall pay the MODIFICATION fee specified in Rule 300.

Permit Application Completeness Determination

 An application will not be accepted for processing until it is deemed complete. The following will be required in order for the Monterey Bay Air Resources District to make a completeness determination:

• Completed Form 1 ATC-PTO Application with the original signature of the owner/proprietor or responsible officer of the company.
• Submittal of fees outlined in Form 400-General Application Fee Determination Sheet, and in accordance with District Rule 300.
• Submittal of Laboratory Fume Hood Supplemental Information Form.
• A list of chemicals, chemicals usages and material safety data sheets for chemicals processed in the laboratories should be provided to the District.
• Any additional information that may be requested in order to perform a health risk assessment or to better understand the process or the applicability of regulations.

Documents/Forms

Permit Application Forms·        

Related Rules

MBARD Rules

Rule 200 PERMITS REQUIRED

Rule 201 SOURCES NOT REQUIRING PERMITS

Rule 207 REVIEW OF NEW OR MODIFIED SOURCES

Rule 221 FEDERAL PREVENTION OF SIGNIFICANT DETERIORATION

Rule 222 FEDERAL MINOR SOURCES REVIEW

Rule 300 DISTRICT FEES

Rule 402 NUISANCES

Rule 436 TITLE V: GENERAL PROHIBITORY RULE

Rule 1000 PERMIT GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR SOURCES EMITTING TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS

State Rules

California Health and Safety Code, Section 42301.6, Public Notice For Possible Source Of Air Hazardous Emissions Near School Prior To Approving Permit