Quick Guide to ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022: Laboratory Ventilation

Key standards that impact good laboratory ventilation design: ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022, Laboratory Ventilation were updated this past year. These standards are written for lab ventilation personnel with responsibility for protecting lab staff and increasing efficiency to save on energy and overall costs.

What is ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022

ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022 establishes minimum requirements and best practices for lab ventilation systems including:

• Lab ventilation plans and design
• Exposure control devices like fume hoods, gloveboxes and ductless hoods
• Commissioning and performance testing and training
• Maintenance of exhaust systems
• Thorough air cleaning and management

Key ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022 Changes

Some key changes were implemented to ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022. Z9.5 now includes a numerical value for laboratory room air changes (ventilation rates) of 410 ACH, replacing the popular but unhelpful “per Owner specifications” that were previously in place. It also includes an extensive discussion of the Laboratory Ventilation Management Plan and Commissioning.

Where to Get More Information About ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022

View TSI Application Note LC-125: Lab Guidelines and Standards. It is a great resource that summarizes key categories of the following standards:

• ANSI/ASHRAE 110-1995: “Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods,” Atlanta, GA, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, 1995. 
• ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2022, “Laboratory Ventilation,” American Society of Safety Professionals, 2022. 
• ASHRAE 1995 Handbook – HVAC Applications (Inch-Pound Edition), Atlanta, GA, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, 1995. 
• NFPA45-2000: “Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals,” Quincy, MA, National Fire Protection Association, 2000. 
• “Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories,” Code of Federal Regulations Title 29, Part 1910,1450, 1988. 
• SEFA 1-2002, “Laboratory Fume Hoods Recommended Practices,” Scientific Equipment Furniture Association, 2002.

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