15 Ways on How to Work Safely with your Laboratory Fume Hood

We all want to work safely in the lab, right? The best way to avoid accidents and bad exposure to noxious chemicals is to know the proper way of using and handling your fume hood. The level of protection provided by this equipment is affected by the manner in which the fume hood is used. No fume hood, however well designed, can provide adequate containment unless good laboratory practices are used. Here are some pointers on how to work safely and efficiently:

1. Ensure that the exhaust has been turned on before commencing work or else it would be futile having a fume hood. If the hood is fitted with an airflow monitor, check the monitor’s status. Even while working, be alert to changes in airflow.

2. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and laboratory gown. This enhances work safety in case of catastrophic spills, run-away reactions or fire.

3. Keep your face outside the plane of the hood. Never lean your head down towards the opening of the fume hood. Practice working at least 6 inches back from the face of the hood. A stripe on the bench surface is a good reminder.

4. Move cautiously and avoid deliberate movements. Do not make quick motions into or out of the hood, use fans, or walk quickly by the hood opening. These will cause airflow disturbances which reduces the effectiveness of the hood.

5. When using large apparatus inside the hood, place the equipment on blocks, when safe and practical, to allow airflow beneath it.
 
6. If a potential for explosion or eruption exists, a blast shield should be utilized.

7. If a combination sash is installed, do not open the vertical and horizontal sashes simultaneously.

8. Do not remove the airfoil or baffles as they aid the hood's airflow. They can only be removed during the maintenance servicing of the equipment.

9. You must always remember not to use the fume hood as a storage area for chemicals and reagents. Doing so will negatively affect airflow and reduces effective containment.

10. Do not use the hood's sink for waste disposal. Do not let chemicals evaporate in the hood as a means of disposal. Do not leave uncapped bottles of chemicals or waste in the hood.

11. If performance failure is suspected, immediately terminate usage. Close the sash completely and cease work.

12. Do not use Perchloric acid in a conventional fume hood. Explosive perchlorate salts could accumulate in the exhaust system.

13. The hood should be kept closed, except during apparatus set-up or when working within the hood is necessary. Keep the sash closed when not in use to maximize energy conservation.


14. Items contaminated with odorous or hazardous materials should be removed from the hood only after decontamination or if placed in a closed outer container to avoid releasing contaminants into the laboratory air.

15. Always see to it that your fume hood routinely undergoes performance maintenance and certification.

This page is printable and I have no issues at all if you’ll print it and post it inside your lab. I want all readers of this blog to be advocates on how to work safely inside the lab.