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LABORATORY FUME HOODS


A fume hood is designed to protect the user from exposure to aerosolized materials. It is sometimes difficult to tell whether or not the fan motor of a hood is operational. Without the fan, the fume hood system will not provide adequate protection. Prior to using a hood, verify that the hood is operating. If your hood is not equipped with a airflow monitor, a piece of surveyors tape, mounted on the bottom of the sash, will give an indication that the air movement is into the hood.

The face velocity of each fume hood must be checked periodically. EH&S requires that chemical hoods be checked at least once per year. Hoods used for isotope work should be checked every 6 months. EH&S should be notified immediately if a hood is not operational. EH&S should be called at x5-3241 to have the face velocities checked.

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE HOOD USE

  1. Know the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of the chemicals with which you are working.
  2. Use the light for proper illumination.
  3. Keep the hood clear and uncluttered.
  4. All work in a hood should be performed at least 6 inches inside the hood.
  5. When large equipment is used, elevate the equipment approximately 2 inches off the base of the hood to allow air to flow under the object.
  6. Always lower the sash to the lowest possible position and use the sash as a shield.
  7. Never place your head inside the hood.
  8. Avoid rapid movement in front of the hood. Avoid drafts created by turbulence from air supplies within the laboratory or created by people moving in front of the hood.
  9. Set the baffles according to the nature of the work being performed:
    1. For hot work, position the baffle so most of the air is exhausted from the top of the hood.
    2. For normal operations, locate the baffles in the center position so air is exhausted from all three positions.
    3. For work with chemicals which have a very high vapor density, position the baffles so most of the air is exhausted from the bottom of the hood.
  10. Always close at least one sash on a walk-in hood when hood is in use.
  11. Fume hoods are not to be used for the disposal of materials. The cap of the waste bottle must seal the bottle immediately after pouring waste into it.

QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S Industrial Hygiene at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 11/12/2002. Disclaimer