Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-11-24 Origin: Site
Fume hoods play an important role in any laboratory, providing a ventilation system to protect technicians from toxic chemicals.
The main function of the laboratory fume hood is to discharge any substances that may cause harm, such as smoke, aerosols, gases, vapors and dust. When chemical reactions occur, they form a barrier between laboratories.
For the fume hood to provide this important protective measure, technicians and laboratory workers must use it effectively and correctly. Here are some tips to ensure that your laboratory fume hood is adequately protected from the hazards of toxic fumes, chemical leaks and dangerous reactions.
1. Minimize air turbulence
Air turbulence will reduce the efficiency of the fume hood. This is why finding a suitable location is crucial to maintaining good working order.
After installing the fume hood, place it in a place where cross airflow can be avoided. Many things can cause a cross flow, including:
1.1 People move around
1.2 Opening and closing of the door
1.3 Windows
1.4 Supply air diffuser
1.5 External fan
Although avoiding high-flow areas is important to ensure maximum contaminant control, so are laboratory workers moving around the fume hood. Avoid rapid movement in and out of the fume hood, otherwise it may cause air interference.
2. Ensure proper exhaust
Before starting work, laboratory technicians should always ensure that the exhaust gas is normal. Exhausting smoke is the main job of the fume hood, so if this part of the ventilation system does not work, the fume hood will not operate effectively.
Check the baffle when making sure that the exhaust is working. These are movable partitions that form openings at the rear of the fume hood, and they maintain uniform airflow, thereby increasing efficiency. Check for any obstructions that might obstruct the airflow.
In addition, if the fume hood contains an airflow monitor, check the status of the monitor regularly. Ensuring its normal operation will allow you to better check for any suspicious airflow changes.
3. Good operating procedures
Even in equipment with a special fume hood design, high efficiency can only be achieved when the equipment is used effectively. Following correct operating procedures is the key.
Each type of fume hood has its own set of manufacturer's instructions and procedures. However, examples of good laboratory fume hood procedures usually include the following:
When there are large equipment inside the fume hood, place the shelf under the equipment so that air can flow under it. Unless you are debugging equipment or working in a fume hood, always keep the fume hood closed. Place any container or equipment 6 inches or more away from the surface of the fume hood. To maximize performance, keep the fume hood window sash closed as much as possible. In the event of a power failure, lower the sash of the fume hood to within 1 inch. Allow some air to continue to flow into the fume hood to create a chimney effect.
4. Attentions
4.1 Such as paper products, chemical wipes and aluminum foil. Lightweight materials such as these are easily sucked into the exhaust port and obstruct airflow.If using a desktop fume hood, use a sliding sash barrier. It can protect you and keep your face out of the work area.
4.2 Do not store items (including chemicals) in a fume hood. They not only block airflow, but also interfere with pollutant control.
4.3 Store hazardous chemicals in a safety cabinet. If chemicals are needed, just keep the minimum amount in the fume hood. Biological safety cabinets have different functions and are specifically designed to prevent exposure of biological materials. It is very important to use the correct cabinet for a particular chemical or biological material.
