What is the Common Fume Hood Mistakes and What You Can Do To Avoid Them
Four Common Errors to Avoid When Using a Fume Hood
As long as they are utilized appropriately, fume hoods may be pretty helpful. However, no matter how skillfully a fume hood is made, it would be ineffective if necessary safety procedures aren’t implemented in the laboratory. Misusing a fume hood may put the user’s life and the lives of others around them at risk. So what are the Common Fume Hood Mistakes, and What You Can Do to Avoid Them? Let us have a look at that.
Over-Raising the Sash
In the case of a fire, the sash of a fume hood serves as a blast barrier. It is meant to “spider-web” rather than shatter in the event of an explosion, ensuring that no one is harmed by glass or chemicals.
For safety, the sash should always be drawn down in front of your face while using a fume hood. Eighteen inches or less from the work surface is the standard operating height for sash windows. Above that point, the sash may only be raised for setup purposes. A sash that is lower in height provides better protection.
Always make sure your head doesn’t get stuck in there. You must retain the vertical riser sash in front of you, while the horizontal slider should be held in front of you and moved from side to side.
Disregard for the Fume Hood’s Safety
People standing near the exhaust hood have the most excellent chance of being hurt in the case of an explosion or fire. Consequently, only individuals who are wearing the hood should be near the hood’s front face. When using a fume hood, keep foot traffic away from the face opening. It is essential to ensure that the hood is not placed in a position where workers must pass directly in front of it when it is first installed.
Obstructing the Hood’s Airflow
Insufficient airflow over the work area and an increase in turbulence result from obstructions in the fume hood, which reduces its efficacy. Reduce blockage of the exhaust slots and prevent debris from interfering with the return ducts and baffles by placing items on each side of the hood. Air flow from the hood’s rear is impeded if objects are positioned near return ducts and baffles.
Storage Of Hazardous Materials Under The Hood Is Proscribed.
Fume hoods should not be used to store hazardous materials. Fume hoods are ok to have chemicals in while they are being used, but fume hoods are not intended to retain chemicals for long. There is a risk that anything stored under the hood may disrupt airflow, resulting in turbulence and pollutant spillage into the room. A fume hood’s airflow is much more than what is required to store closed containers safely. Because of this, putting materials under the hood is a waste of money.
Conclusion
It’s vital that you and people around you use a fume hood correctly to keep everyone safe. When wearing a hood, take precautions and avoid these typical blunders.
