Chemical Fume Hoods

2007-04-17 10:41:55

( Automobiles )



Chemical fumes can come from various household and laboratory materials. Inhalation of chemical fumes can result in numerous medical problems, ranging from dizziness and headache to burns and even death. If you are constantly exposed to these chemical fumes, it would be prudent to make use of personal protective equipment, such as goggles, and proper ventilation, which can be provided by a chemical fume hood. These tools can help prevent these complications from happening.

A chemical fume hood is a protective piece of equipment that can decrease or eliminate toxic airborne substances, including gas and dust particles, from your work area. Maintaining negative pressure in the work area allows the fumes to be exhausted through the hood.

There are different kinds of fume hoods, such as the conventional hood, auxiliary hood and the variable air volume hood, among others. Each hood was designed to provide a specific function.

It is suggested that you place the chemical fume hoods at dead-end areas where there is minimal traffic, to decrease turbulence that can draw the fumes out. When using a fume hood, put your arms as far inside as possible, to prevent any chemical accidents. As much as possible, do not place large materials inside the hood to prevent variations in airflow. Do not use the hoods for storage or disposal of toxic chemicals. Keep the glass sash at the indicated height, and close it once you finish using the fume hood. It is important that all workers know and practice the proper techniques of operating the equipment.

Annual inspection of your chemical fume hood is necessary to ensure that your equipment is providing adequate ventilation. Aside from regular inspection, you should also consider employing a flow-monitoring device to monitor your fume hood. If the fume hood is not working properly, all operations involving chemicals should be suspended until the fume hood can be repaired or replaced.


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