Dos and dont’s while using fume hood in work space

What is a fume hood 

A fume hood is an equipment used mainly in a laboratory which can be gained by the lab fume hoods supplier Malaysia. It protects workers from inhaling harmful gases and vapors. The front window of the cabinet is made of safety glass and typically it is movable from one place to the other according to our liking.  The hood works in takes air in through the open window and exhausts it through the top and rear of the cabinet in the direction of a distance. It keeps the experimenter and the experiments in a safe working environment.

Types of fume hoods 

There are several types of fume hoods that can be utilized for your laboratory needs

1. Walk-in fume hoods – This type of hood is embed to the floor and is used for chemicals

2. Fume hood with no ducts – This type of fume hood is made to absorb all sorts of contaminants and chemicals in the air without even needing the ducts instead a sort of activated carbon is used. 

3. Fume hood with benchtop – This is the most sturdy type of hoods as it is resistant towards all sort of chemicals

4. Acid digestion fume hood – This type of fume hood is specifically made to cater the need of acid resistance. The inner layer is made out of PVC to prevent corrosion due to chemicals

The main usages of fume hood in labs 

Fume hoods are primarily used to capture and exhaust gases, vapours, and fumes from a workspace. Fume hoods are one of the most effective work equipment in a laboratory when applied appropriately. Some of the primary uses of fume hoods include 

• Works by keeping vapours and fumes produced inside the hood by controlling and expelling them from the lab through the air filter

• Works like a sash that protects the user from moderate explosions, fires, and splashes that may happen inside the hood. The sash may move vertically, horizontally, or in both ways depending on its design.

Dos and don’ts

• Do not use the fume hood as your disposal machine and don’t dispose of waste through the fume hood. When not in use, solvent bottles in the fume hood should always be covered 

• Unless it is important for the uses of apparatus setup, do not remove the hood sash or sash panels. Immediately replace any broken panels or sash before entering the hood.

• Avoid placing electrical outlets or other sources that may create spark inside the hood. When there are flammable liquids or gasses, the fume hood should not at once permit to have any stable electrical outlets.

• It is best to conduct all the work at least 6 inches away from the area of the fume hood and it is also recommended to keep all the apparatus used a few inches away. You could probably draw a line or place any object to constantly remind you 

• If possible keep the fume hood sash closed while it is not at use

• Try not to keep chemicals or other related equipment within the fume hood for a longer period of time. This is to ensure that there is sufficient airflow under the equipment used inside the hood itself. Opt keeping chemicals in the safety cabinet instead. 

• There are chances for explosion or eruption to take place so be prepared by setting up suitable barricade