Original Source: https://laboratoryquipment.blogspot.com/2020/04/5-steps-for-testing-and-maintenance-of.html
These devices are designed with transparent sashes for optimum chemical resistance, which can slide horizontally or vertically into position and enable high visibility at work. Many safety features apply to a standard fume hood. Often they're a big piece of enclosed equipment that creates work area. They are leak-proof which ensures that even with heavy daily use and corrosive spills, their enclosures do not corrode. The chemical fume hoods circulate and filter the air to remove the vapours that may have been formed. Such benchtop hoods are put on a flat and stable surface, which people can easily operate on. By using the sash to change the front gap, ventilation can be balanced across the hood to the point where contaminant capture is maximised. Each hood has its optimum sash setup. When operating in the hood, the sash should be left in this position, and fully closed when the hood is not in use.
The sash can be opened for installation of Lab equipment absolutely, but must return to the best conditions before contaminants are generated in the hood.
One of the most essential things is to do the maintenance and testing of Benchtop Fume hood so that one can bring it in use for a long time without any obstruction. For the same one can go through the 5 important ways maintenance and testing of Benchtop Fume Hood that is being given below:
Ensure the sufficient face velocities- Before each use; hoods should be tested by the user to ensure sufficient face velocities because the fume hood does not have sufficient flow levels for the necessary work and lack of unnecessary turbulence. Switch off all services and accessories and lower the sash completely in case of exhaust system failure when using a hood. Leave the area right away.
Accreditation is important for the work safely- Fume hoods should be accredited to ensure they work safely, at least annually. Typical tests include measurements of the face velocity, checks and containment of the tracer gas. Tracer gas containment checks are especially important because studies have shown that face velocity is not a reasonable indicator of leakage of the fume hood. Fume hoods are among the most critical tools used and abused for the monitoring of hazards.
Protection from harmful exposure- Consumers should recognize that the combined use of safety glasses, protective gloves, laboratory smocks, good practices and smoke hoods are very critical elements in shielding us from potentially harmful exposure. Always remember the person most likely to get hurt is the user of the hood. All laboratory occupants can also be affected by the escape from noxious material into the laboratory.
How it design to shield- Fume hoods only cover users when properly used and when properly run. A fume hood is designed to shield the occupants of users and rooms from exposure to vapours, aerosols, hazardous chemicals, odorous substances, and other harmful substances. A secondary purpose when dealing with potentially explosive or high clear reactive materials is to serve as a defensive shield.
What to do when the repair is needed- EH&S performs a practical performance test to ensure that hoods work around every 18 months, as needed. Usually, the performance check involves an assessment of a VAV's face velocity, tone, storage, monitoring capacity and tracking ability. Also notice any observed power, sash, baffles, plumbing, lighting, or corrosion issues. When a hood fails an inspection, they will need to be withdrawn from service before it is fixed. When repair is needed, EH&S will inform the researchers and post a Do Not Use sign. After completion of repairs by UW Facilities, EH&S will reproof the hood and bring it back into operation.
Now that everyone can easily gain information related to 5 important tips for maintenance and testing of Benchtop so the user will have information about fume hoods by which one can take work from the same for a long period. It can be very beneficial from the business point of view.
Above mentioned information have entire details that are required for the maintenance and testing of Benchtop fume hoods. There is also detail information regarding the same which can be very beneficial for the same (Maintenance and testing). If users have any queries regarding testing and maintenance services feel free to contact us.
