Laboratory workers are aware how hazardous it is for them to work. Therefore, users need to be mindful about what they need to do to protect the laboratory as well as themselves. Fume hoods are among the most important equipment used in the laboratory.
These hoods create physical barriers between the harm created by spills, fires, explosions, and fumes due to constant handling of chemicals in the laboratory while conducting experiments. However, mishandling or improper usage of fume hoods may lead to hazardous consequences. The equipment that is meant to avoid hazards can bring bigger problems when not used correctly. Not many workers comply with the best practices when using laboratory fume hoods.
So, here are the best practices one needs to follow when using laboratory fume hoods to avoid hazards and protect the laboratory settings:
- Understand the purpose of using the fume hood
Every laboratory workers must understand the exact purpose of laboratory fume hoods. Typically, this equipment resembles an enclosure-like structure that is specifically designed to captivate and restrict harmful chemical vapours or fumes. The purpose of the hood is to remove the poisonous fumes away from the workers through a blower that is usually located somewhere else, mostly rooftops. An intriguing ductwork is responsible for connecting the fume hood to the blower. The ductwork is connected to the blower’s outlet and directed out of the building.
Before choosing the fume, the most crucial step is assessing the laboratory’s requirements. Different chemicals and experiments require different hood types. When engaging is discussions with fume hood manufacturers, you will receive the best guidance and choose an appropriate equipment to match your needs.
- Insist on safe installation of fume hoods
Once you pick the fume hood that is suitable for the laboratory comes the professional installation. Yes, they are experts and know the right technique of installing the equipment. With proper installation, the hood serves its functionality and complies with the safety standards. Ensure that the manufacturer sends the best team of technicians who in turn should collaborate with furniture installers to install the fume hoods in the right locations.
- Training and education for using fume hoods
When it comes to laboratory fume hoods, proper training and education of laboratory workers is the key aspects. You cannot just expect them to use any equipment with the highest level of expertise unless they know the correct protocols of using them. Find out if the manufacturers offer training programmes to researchers and make them properly acquainted with ways to handle the equipment safely.
Apart from this, every laboratory should stay up-to-date with the evolving standards. That way, they become familiar with the safety protocols with regular reviews to ensure that the laboratory aligns with the best industry practices. The last and final step is collaborating with the manufacturers to comply with the global standards of safety.
- Following safety measures when using fume hoods
There is a flurry of safety measures one needs to undertake to make sure that the equipment performs uninterrupted and prevent hazards like explosion and hazard. Ideally, the workers need to follow a checklist to understand which safety steps are essential to follow to use laboratory fume hoods. Here it is to ensure complete safety in the laboratory:
- Opening the hood sash at a proper height
When the sash is opened at an improper height, the functionality of the fume hood is greatly compromised. This is because there is not enough barriers between the chemicals and the user, resulting in a severe lack of protection. Wondering how to understand the proper height? Check the device properly as you come across the arrows that indicate the exact height at which the stash needs to open.
- Is the exhaust fan working appropriately? It is a crucial part of the fume hood which ensures that the toxic fumes escape properly. When the exhaust fan works fine, its opening at the back of the equipment maintains uniform airflow.
- Cross-check the functioning of the air gauge to make sure that the flow of air remains within the specified range
- The air filters must be regularly cleaned so that they function properly to remove hazardous particles and fumes
- When fume hoods are in operation, there should be no spark source nearby that increases the likelihood of explosion or fire.
Utilising the laboratory fume hood is an essential aspect of ensuring that safe and effective working conditions prevail in the laboratory. The researchers working within the lab settings need to choose the right equipment, adhere to the best practices, and collaborate with the best lab equipment manufacturer to conduct research and experiments worry-free. At IGene Labserve, we aim to create top-grade laboratory equipment for researchers to work safely. Navigate the equipment in our website here https://www.igenels.com/ to order yours.