Curious About Fume Hoods? Seeking Guidance on Their Use and Importance

Today, I visited our new R&D block. There, new fume hoods are being installed. The description of the fume hood and its function was provided. Lastly, safety precautions were given, so please ask your safety officer for clarification.

I admit I don't know much about fume hoods. I only know that they act like a blower, pulling out dangerous fumes, neutralizing them, and releasing them into the air. If someone asks me in the future about the types of reactions for which they are suitable or other related questions, how should I respond?

Guidance on Fume Hoods

Please guide me, friends, on fume hoods, their importance, how to handle them, the materials used in their construction, etc.

I would suggest you read the manual for the Fume Hood. If not available, contact the supplier via email and request it. Some basic points are being shared in this post which may help you.

Laboratory Fume Hood

A Laboratory Fume Hood is a safety device where hazardous chemicals can be handled safely. Fumes and vapors generated by these chemicals are exhausted out of the building when connected to a properly designed laboratory ventilation system.

Also, ask your chemist to:

1. Ensure the fume hood is not overfilled with items that could impede airflow.
2. Verify the fume hood airflow monitoring device is installed and indicating suitable airflow.
3. Verify the required periodic inspection for the hood is current.
4. Verify the hood sash is at the correct position.
5. Ensure proper PPE applicable to the work performed in the hood is worn.
6. Ensure the fume hood is left in a neat and orderly manner.

Fume Hood Face Velocity

Most importantly, the optimum face velocity has been found to be 80-120 linear feet per minute. At lower velocities, the fume hood may not capture and remove vapors at a sufficient rate. At higher velocities, airflow may become turbulent, producing eddies and backflows that retard the rate of removal or cause vapors to escape.

Thanks,

Abhay