A laboratory fume hood is also known as Fume Cupboard. Lab Fume cupboard is a ventilated cabinet where gases, vapors, and fumes from the work areas are absorbed and discarded. Fume hoods are used to manage and then exhaust poisonous and/or odorous chemicals to stop the discharge of dangerous substances into the lab.
An important function of a fume hood is to provide insulation inside and outside of the hood by using sturdy glass panels in the front. The other is to have a proper suction speed to prevent the toxic gases from escaping from the inside
Adhere to standard practices before using a Fume hood
This will prevent any kind of casualties from occurring. All work should be done six inches away from the face of the hood for safety’s sake. Verify the exhaust functionality before using the workstations. Exhausts are responsible for exhausting fumes and are an integral part of the extraction system. Check the baffles and slots are unobstructed. The slots direct the air that is being released from the fume hood. Check the airflow monitor to make sure it is operating properly. Wear safety equipment such as goggles, and gloves, and use a full face shield as a precautionary measure. Verify that all the sashes, interior baffles, and panels are properly positioned. This will control airflow and increase the fume hood efficiency. When handling chemicals, create an emergency action plan for situations like power outages.
The position of the Fume hood
Fume Hood placement is crucial. The National Fire Protection Association has recommended the hood must be placed ten feet away from the door or exit. The movement of people might disturb the airflow so the hoods should be away from the traffic. Any air currents or cross draughts would make the FumeHood ineffective. So it is mandatory to close windows and doors that are close to the fume hood. All chemicals should be placed six inches inside the hood, this measure will prevent fumes from entering the lab. All bulky items should be supported by blocks to allow unobstructed airflow
Adhere to correct procedures after using the fume hood
Be sure to close the sash. Shut the sash when you are not working. This will keep down the airflow thereby saving energy. Always place dangerous materials in a container that is closed. While removing the chemicals from the hood make sure to place them in airtight containers. Moreover, disinfect the workplace after use. Laboratory Hygiene is very crucial for the personnel and for
the manufacturing process.
Maintainance of Fume hoods
Many times Fume Hood’ Cupboard doesn’t work properly. In a faulty Fume Hood, good airflow does not reach the proper level or air monitors go into alarm. A noisy system when the blowers are not absorbing sufficient air. Thirdly there is a chemical stench in the lab. This can be an indicator to fix the Fume Hood.
Fume Hood Maintenance could involve daily, periodic, and yearly inspections.
Exhaust Fan maintenance should be on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Maintenance involves lubricating the moving parts. Tighten all the electrical connections. Inspect the motor control contacts for wear and tear and change them if needed. Replace drive belts if required. There should be a routine survey of FumeHood performance. This is conducted for verifying the functionality of Hoods on various parameters. A certified fume hood trainer will check the containment efficiency to see if there is required flow in the hood. The thorough inspection of the Fume Hood will increase its functionality and durability.
Laboratory furniture manufacturers in India design and supply appropriate Furniture and Fume hoods as per customer needs. They offer a high range of furniture to select from. They are also promoters of eco-friendly and Innovative Fume Hood. They offer timely service and are pleasant to customers. They follow the industry’s best practices. They are easily accessible online.