Why is Laboratory Fume Hood Better?

Laboratory fume hoods are one of the most important used and abused hazard control devices on campus. We should all understand that the combined use of safety glasses, protective gloves, lab coats, good safety practices, and laboratory fume hoods are very important elements in protecting us from a potentially hazardous exposure.

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Laboratory fume hoods only protect users when they are used properly and are working correctly. A fume hood is designed to protect the user and room occupants from exposure to vapors, aerosols, toxic materials, odorous, and other harmful substances. A secondary purpose is to serve as a protective shield when working with potentially explosive or highly reactive materials. This is accomplished by lowering the hood sash. If you believe your hood is not working properly, contact EHS at (573) 882- for an evaluation.

Guidelines for Using a Hood Effectively

1. Check to be sure the hood has been inspected within the last 12 months.
2. Read the Safety Data Sheets for materials being used in a hood. Note the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of materials being used beforehand.
3. Turn on the light for proper illumination.
4. Keep the hood clear of clutter and unused materials. Do not use a hood for long-term storage. Storage reduces air flow and compromises the hood's capture efficiency.
5. All work should be done at least six inches from the front of the hood.
6. When large equipment is used, place on blocks to create a two inch gap under the equipment for air flow.
7. Always lower the sash when not working in the hood.
8. Never place your head in the hood while an experiment is ongoing.
9. Avoid quick movements while working or passing in front of the hood. Rapid movements may cause turbulence or a backwash resulting in hazardous vapor escape.
10. Campus Facilities Maintenance can adjust the baffle according to the nature of the work:
    1. For hot or lighter-than-air compounds, position the baffle to exhaust from the top of the hood.
    2. For normal operations, place the baffle in the center position.
    3. For work with heavier-than-air compounds, place the baffle to exhaust the majority of the air from the bottom vent.
11. Fume hoods are not to be used for disposal of unwanted material. Disposal of hazardous material via evaporation is not permitted. The cap of the unwanted materials bottle must seal the container when not in use.
12. Hoods designated for use with radioactive materials need to be approved by Radiation Safety before use.
13. Only use perchloric acid in a properly operating Perchloric Acid Hood that possesses washdown capabilities.

Risks

A fume hood is a piece of safety equipment that can be misused in a way that makes it less effective than expected. Injury from misuse can arise from two causes:

1. From the fume hood not providing adequate flow rates for the work required (i.e. sash being left open or from excess clutter that reduces the containment of noxious substances).
2. From the hood itself (i.e. if the fan belts are slipping, the exhaust duct has blockage due to paper towels being sucked into the duct, the duct damper is restricted).

Always realize the most likely person to be injured is the hood user. Escaping noxious material into the laboratory can also effect all laboratory occupants.

Power Outages

In case of a power outage, the hood sash should be lowered to within an inch to maintain a chimney effect that will help keep some air flowing through the hood.

Exhaust

Exercise care when using paper products, aluminum foil, and other lightweight materials within a hood. A single paper towel or chemical wipe can potentially decrease the airflow into the hood if it restricts exhaust flow.

How is the Fume Hood Inspected?

The air flowing into the hood is measured with a calibrated velocimeter. The sash is placed in the normal operating height: about 18 inches from the closed position for most hoods. A number of air velocity measurements are made by traversing the hood face. These measurements are recorded in units of feet per minute (FPM). The readings are then averaged. A smoke tube may also be used to characterize air flow.

Operating Standards

The draw from a hood in good working repair should be between 80 to 120 FPM. Hoods operating between 60 to 79 FPM need service to increase air flow. Hoods with air flow in excess of 120 FPM should be serviced to reduce air flow. Hoods that have an airflow of less than 60 FPM must not be used and must be taken out of service. Never use a hood that has been tagged "Out of Service."

The Sticker

After a hood has been checked for air flow, one of two stickers (green or red) will be attached to the front side of the hood. These stickers show the last date of inspection.

1. A green sticker indicates by the checked box that either:
   1. The Hood meets the EHS recommended average face velocity requirements (80 - 120 FPM).

   2. Service is requested (60 - 79 FPM). Keep the sash as low as possible during operation.

2. A red sticker indicates a hood velocity that doesn't meet EHS recommended average face velocity (less than 60 FPM).

Frequently-Asked Questions

How often is the hood checked?

Campus hood surveys are conducted annually. The sticker should not be more than one year past the current date.

What is the sash position sticker?

This is a reminder that the hood shouldn't be used above the sash stop or about 18 inches above the closed position.

Who will service my hood?

Campus Facilities Maintenance will service only standard Laboratory hoods, not biosafety cabinets or perchloric acid hoods. For maintenance of fume hoods, users should contact the Campus Facilities Work Order Desk at (573) 882-. In most cases, Campus Facilities is financially responsible for the maintenance of fume hoods. The Principal Investigator or Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for maintenance of biosafety cabinets or perchloric acid hoods.

More Information

For more information on biosafety cabinets or laminar-flow hoods, go to the corresponding Biosafety page.

For more information on perchloric acid hoods, contact the office of Industrial Hygiene at (573) 882-.

Fume Hood’s Role in Laboratories

Fume hoods act as a barrier between potentially dangerous substances and the lab personnel handling them. The main function of a fume hood is to capture, contain, and exhaust airborne contaminants, preventing these substances from dispersing throughout the laboratory. Without a fume hood, vapors and particles could spread uncontrollably, posing severe health risks to those in the vicinity.

Whether in research, industrial, or educational settings, fume hoods are important for safe chemical handling. By providing a controlled environment, these hoods help laboratories adhere to health and safety regulations. They also contribute to the lab's overall ventilation system by removing hazardous elements and maintaining clean airflow.

Protecting Laboratory Personnel from Chemical Exposure

One of the most critical fume hood uses in a laboratory is protecting users from chemical exposure. Many chemicals used in laboratories emit vapors that are invisible to the naked eye but highly toxic if inhaled. Substances like acids, solvents, and other reactive chemicals can release fumes that can irritate respiratory systems or, in severe cases, cause long-term health issues.

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Fume hoods protect against such exposure by trapping these fumes and expelling them outside the lab. For individuals working with volatile chemicals daily, the fume hood is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s a safety necessity.

By working within a chemical fume hood, laboratory personnel can reduce the risk of accidental inhalation or contact with hazardous materials.

Containing and Managing Chemical Spills and Reactions

Laboratories often involve complex experiments that can sometimes lead to unexpected reactions or spills. When such incidents occur, working in a fume hood means that any fumes or vapors generated will be immediately contained within the hood’s enclosure.

This containment prevents the spread of potentially dangerous chemicals throughout the lab and helps manage any spills in a confined area.

In the event of a reaction, fume hoods offer an added layer of protection by keeping flammable or toxic substances away from other lab users. Fume hoods can contain the reaction within the hood space, allowing lab personnel to manage the situation safely and quickly.

This controlled environment is invaluable in emergency scenarios, underscoring the importance of working within a fume hood at all times when dealing with reactive or volatile substances.

Improving Air Quality and Reducing Cross-Contamination

Besides immediate containment, fume hoods also improve laboratory air quality. Laboratories frequently contain a number of chemicals, each with specific handling requirements. Without proper ventilation, there’s a risk of cross-contamination between substances, potentially affecting experimental results or creating hazardous mixtures.

Fume hoods prevent this by isolating each experiment within its own airflow, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination. This isolation is imperative in multi-purpose laboratories where different chemicals and substances may be used simultaneously in dissimilar experiments.

By maintaining an effective barrier between chemical processes, fume hoods help labs operate more efficiently and safely.

Guaranteeing Compliance with Health and Safety Standards

In many regions, safety regulations mandate the use of fume hoods for specific chemical handling procedures. Laboratories that do not comply with these standards can face fines, closures, or legal liabilities.

Fume hoods are essential for maintaining compliance with these health and safety standards, as they provide evidence of adherence to best practices in laboratory safety.

Using chemical fume hoods demonstrates a commitment to minimizing risk and promoting a safe work environment. Safety audits and inspections often include checks on fume hood functionality and usage, highlighting their importance in maintaining certification and compliance.

A reliable fume hood system can be an important element in passing these inspections, so the lab remains operational and meets industry standards.

Increasing Experiment Integrity by Controlling Environmental Factors

The environmental stability offered by fume hoods can also boost experiment reliability. Many laboratory procedures require precise control of external variables, including temperature and air quality. By working in a fume hood, laboratory personnel can better regulate these conditions, which leads to more consistent results.

For instance, volatile substances often require specific temperature and humidity conditions to react predictably. Fume hoods help regulate these factors by containing the experiment within a controlled space, minimizing the impact of external airflow and temperature fluctuations.

As a result, scientists and researchers can achieve higher accuracy in their work, which is especially crucial in fields such as pharmaceuticals and materials science.

Reducing the Spread of Odors and Irritants

Another benefit of fume hoods is their ability to prevent the spread of unpleasant or irritating odors. Certain chemicals emit strong, unpleasant smells that can cause discomfort or even minor health issues, such as headaches and nausea. By containing these substances within the fume hood, the lab minimizes the spread of odors, for a more comfortable environment for all personnel.

Odor control is especially important in multi-user labs where individuals may be conducting different types of research. A well-ventilated fume hood eliminates the distraction and discomfort caused by odorous chemicals, allowing lab personnel to focus on their work without respiratory irritants.

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