When should fume hoods be used?
Fume hoods should be used when working with toxic compounds or compounds with a boiling point below 120°C. Fume hoods, or other effective local ventilation, must be provided and used when the materials used will exceed exposure limits in the laboratory.
What is a fume hood and what purpose does it serve?
A fume hood is a ventilated enclosure in which gases, vapors and fumes are contained. An exhaust fan situated on the top of the laboratory building pulls air and airborne contaminants through connected ductwork and exhausts them to the atmosphere.
What is the primary function of a fume hood sash?
The sash works as a blast shield to provide protection and containment in the event of a fire. In the case of an explosion, sashes are designed to “spiderweb” instead of shattering, keeping those in the area safe from glass and chemicals.
Do fume hoods have filters?
A chemical fume hood protects the user while a biosafety cabinet protects the user, the environment, and the material. Biosafety cabinets have high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters while chemical fume hoods do not.
How effective is a fume hood?
Fume hoods are designed to keep laboratory professionals safe while working with hazardous materials. In order for fume hoods to provide protection, users must follow basic safety practices. No matter how well a fume hood is designed, it won’t be effective unless proper laboratory safety measures are taken.
What is the fume hood sash?
Fume Hood Sashes: What Are They? The sash refers to the front window or “door” of a fume hood. The glass window slides open and closed, allowing access to the workstation. The sash window provides both containment and protection from hazardous materials.
What is the best use of a fume hood?
Laboratory Fume Hoods. A properly operating and correctly used fume hood can reduce or eliminate exposure to volatile liquids, dusts, and mists. It is advisable to use a laboratory hood when working with all hazardous substances.
How do you use a fume hood?
Avoid cross drafts and disruptive air currents in front of the fume hood. Ensure that windows and doors near the fume-hoods are CLOSED. Always keep work at least 15cm in from the opening of the fume hood. Use the sash as a safety shield when boiling materials or conducting an experiment with reactive chemicals.
How does a fume hood sash work?
The fume hood works by using a sash (a window that opens or closes to protect the user) to contain the vapor and keep it away from the user’s face or to prevent it from drifting out into the rest of the laboratory.
What are the two main functions of the fume hood?
A laboratory fume hood is a type of ventilation system that primarily functions to provide personnel protection against toxic fumes, vapors and dust. Its secondary function includes protection against chemical spills, runaway reactions and fires by acting as a physical barrier.
What voltage does a fume hood require?
In general, a standard fume hood can be plugged into a 120-volt outlet while accommodations can be made for 240-volt outlets. Nearly all fume hoods, ducted and ductless, operate at a voltage that is safe for these outlets but it is always good to check the supply voltage for a fume hood which can be found on the rating plate of each junction box.
When do use fume hood?
A fume hood is a ventilated enclosure that usually vents separately from the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and not recirculated into the building. Fume hoods should be used when working with toxic compounds or compounds with a boiling point below 120°C .
What is the top fume hood brand?
But the top fume hood brand on the market is Fisher American. Fisher American designs, engineers, and manufactures fume hoods for nearly every lab application. From small specialty hoods that are designed for specific chemical use or size restrictions. To large custom-designed hoods for unique applications.