Fume Hoods
A fume hoods is a critical safety device commonly used in laboratories. It is particularly used in research, chemical, and biological environments. We design the fume hood to protect laboratory workers from inhaling hazardous fumes, vapors, gases, or dust. Hazardous substances could harm or poison individuals. The fume hood works by using a powerful ventilation system. This system captures and exhausts hazardous substances. A certified fume hoods ensures that these substances do not contaminate the air in the laboratory. Certified fume hoods also prevents them from posing a threat to individuals working in the space.
Standard Fume Hoods
Standard fume hoods are designed for use in Laboratory applications that requires safe ventilation of hazardous and toxic fumes. This fume hoods is used to protect the user and the lab environment by connecting to a remote exhaust system. These certified fume hoods comes in various forms like bench top, low height, distillation or walk-in depending on application and user requirement.
Special Application Fume Hoods
Special Application fume hoods are designed and engineered for use with specific applications like Distillation, Acid Digestion, Perchloric Acid and Radioisotope applications.
Ductless and Filtered Fume Hoods
Ductless or filtered fume hoods have built-in airflows to recycle clean air back into the laboratory. These fume hoods can be equipped with different exhaust filters depending on application and use. Ductless fume hood can also be used as mobile fume hood.
Custom Fume Hoods
Custom fume hoods are non-standard fume hoods, manufactured based on specific customer needs. Laboratory Solutions has necessary expertise in designing, manufacturing and commissioning large, complex and tailored fume hoods.
Canopy Hood
Canopy hoods are designed to vent non-toxic materials such as heat, steam and odors. They are suitable for installing on top of large or bulky apparatus that do not require isolated chamber like a fume hood. Canopy hoods are used in labs mostly for venting from equipment like ovens, steam baths, autoclaves. These can be installed on a wall or suspended from ceiling. Canopy hoods are available in both powder coated as well as stainless steel material.
Flexible Suction Arm
Flexible suction arm is also called as extraction arm or elephant trunk or spot extractor. This is a versatile solution for extracting fumes and contaminants from directly above the emission point. These arms are designed for localized aspiration of harmful fumes, odors and particulates. Flexible suction arms enhance safety, improve air quality and create ergonomic solutions in a laboratory setting.
Telescopic Extraction Arm
Telescopic arm is used specially for working environments with fumes, vapours, evacuation of airborne pollutants at high temperatures and open flames, e.g. from atomic absorption equipment.
Key Components of a Fume Hood
Fume hoods are equipped with several key components to ensure effective protection and operation:
Airflow System: The heart of the fume hoods is its ventilation system, which includes an exhaust fan that draws air from the hood into the ductwork and out of the building. This system ensures that any dangerous chemicals, vapors, or fumes are safely removed from the laboratory environment.
Sash: The sash is a movable glass panel that can be raised or lowered to regulate the size of the opening in the fume hood. It helps control airflow and minimizes the release of hazardous substances into the laboratory. Keeping the sash at the recommended height ensures optimal airflow for safety.
Work Surface: The work surface inside the fume hoods is usually made of durable, chemically resistant materials. This surface is designed to withstand spills and exposure to chemicals, providing a safe area for handling hazardous materials.
Filters: Some fume hoods are equipped with filters, such as HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters or activated carbon filters. These filters are used to capture particulate matter and chemical vapors, further preventing hazardous substances from being released into the laboratory.
Ductwork: The duct system is connected to the exhaust fan and directs the air from the fume hood to the outside of the building. It ensures that harmful chemicals are safely expelled from the workspace.
Importance of Fume Hoods in Laboratory Safety
Laboratories consider fume hoods an indispensable part of safety protocols. They are essential for:
Protecting Workers: The primary function of the fume hoods is to protect laboratory workers from inhaling hazardous chemicals, vapors, and particles that could lead to serious health risks, including respiratory problems, chemical burns, or poisoning.
Maintaining Air Quality: By exhausting harmful substances outside, fume hoods help maintain air quality inside the laboratory, ensuring that chemicals do not accumulate and create an unsafe working environment.
Preventing Chemical Exposure: Laboratories use many chemicals that are volatile, flammable, or toxic. Fume hood provide a controlled space where these substances can be handled safely, reducing the risk of exposure.
Ensuring Compliance: Laboratories must comply with strict safety regulations, including proper use of fume hood, such as those set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Proper use of fume hoods is a key part of meeting these safety standards.
Proper Usage and Maintenance
For a fume hoods to function effectively, users must adhere to best practices:
Proper Placement: Always place materials and chemicals inside the fume hoods, keeping them at least six inches back from the sash to allow for optimal airflow.
Keep the Sash at the Correct Height: Users should set the sash at the manufacturer’s recommended height for proper airflow. Do not raise or lower it unnecessarily.
Regular Inspection: Fume hoods should be regularly inspected to ensure that the ventilation system is functioning correctly and that the filters, if present, are replaced as needed.
Avoid Overcrowding: The work area inside the fume hood should not be overcrowded, as this can disrupt the airflow and compromise the hood’s effectiveness.
Routine Maintenance: Fume hoods require regular maintenance, including cleaning, checking the airflow, and ensuring the exhaust system is free of obstructions.