Laboratory fume hoods are used for minimizing chemical exposure to the workers of the laboratory. These are considered to be the primary means of protection from any type of hazardous vapors, particulate matter or mists. So it becomes really important that all the chemical work must be conducted in the laboratory fume hoods. It is basically like a cabinet with the open sides so as to have access to the hood interior. The movable and transparent sash allows the user for enlarging and restricting the opening of the fume hood. The hood is also connected through ductwork to the exhaust fan which is generally located on the building roof where the hood is located. The air is drawn by the exhaust fan from the room where the hood is in through the opening of the hood and out through the ductwork. The fume hood is considered to be an integral part of the air handling system of the building.
Laboratory fume hoods are basically used in the laboratories which ensure safety so that the people who work with the fume hoods will not get exposed to dangerous and hazardous fumes. This is done by keeping the air inside the Laboratory fume hood that is away from the operators who are conducting the experiments. Earlier these fume hoods were made up of wood but with the up-gradation of the technology, these are made up of the mild steel and it is coated with the epoxy. Such changes have been done as this ensured more safety for the operators who conduct various experiments.
- Primarily For Industrial Applications
- Whenever the experiments are done or any research is conducted in the laboratory, definitely there will be release of the hazardous chemicals, so the laboratory fume hoods are used which will help the users to protect whenever they are involved in such researches. Primarily the fume hoods are used for the industrial application where the dust and vapors are used. Even in the usage of the laboratory equipment, certain guidelines are also required to function. These guidelines ensure the protection and safety of the user in the laboratory.
- Recirculating And Ducted
- The principle of operation of both the fume hoods is just the same. The air is drawn by the recirculating fume hood around the experiment into the filter built-in and the pure air is discharged which gets back into the cabinet or lab. The ducted fume hood also has the air drawn from it in the ventilation system where the air is made pure and after that, it is released in the building. There are different fume hoods which are attached to the ventilation systems. Even the user should also be aware of the toxic properties of hazardous chemicals because some of the chemicals are really explosive, so the precautions must also be taken.
- User Should Compare Magnehelic Reading
- If there is no indication given by the machine that it’s getting opening, then the operator must not use it. The user must compare and check the Magnehelic reading and then it should be compared with the reading that is displayed on the sticker of hood inspection. If the reading is different from that on the sticker, then there is a possibility that the laboratory fume hoods are not operating perfectly. The safety glasses and gloves must be worn. Moreover, the sash should also be clear and clean. The chemical residue should also be cleared from the hood chamber after the usage.
- Ductless Fume Hoods
- These are the perfect solution to the problem when the user is working with some flammable materials and various other chemicals as it helps in providing the protection to the laboratory personnel as well as the environment from the hazardous fumes. These fume hoods are mainly designed keeping into consideration the efficient airflow. There is also a double-wall feature which helps in providing easy access to various utilities like gas, water, electricity, and vacuum.
- Minimization Of The Fume Concentration
- The laboratory fume hoods have been specifically designed for protecting the users when the toxic chemicals are being released during the experiments or research. The fumes are captured which are released in the experiment by drawing the air from the environment. This will help in minimizing the fume concentration in the breathing zone.
Ventilates Chemical Fumes
The ductless exhaust hoods remove and ventilate the chemical hoods by using the charcoal filters which allow the safe release of the exhaust. The fume hoods are really important for the safety of the users.
Author Bio
Cleatech LLC, the leading company manufactures laboratory and cleanroom equipment. Buy the top-quality laboratory fume hoods and other laboratory equipment such as Ductless Fume Hoods at Cleatech.com.
Original Source : interarticles.com/article/54365-ensure-safety-of-the-operator-with-laboratory-fume-hoods/
