How To Clean A Fume Hood?

Cleaning the fume hood is an important step to ensure the functionality and safety of its laboratory. The following is a detailed cleaning guide for fume hoods:

First, preparatory work

Turn off the power: Before starting the cleaning, make sure the power of the fume hood is turned off and all connections are disconnected to prevent electric shock accidents during the cleaning process.

Personal protection: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to ensure your own safety.

Prepare cleaning tools and detergents: Prepare non-woven fabrics, neutral detergents, spray bottles and other cleaning tools and materials. Avoid using acidic or alkaline cleaners to prevent damage to the materials and internal components of the fume hood.

Second, external cleaning

Wipe the surface: Use a damp cloth or non-woven fabric dipped in neutral detergent to wipe the external surface of the fume hood, including the glass, metal and plastic parts. Be careful to avoid liquids from entering the interior of the fume hood.

Rinse with clean water: Wipe clean again with clean water to ensure there is no residual cleaner on the surface.

Third, internal cleaning

Remove items: Open the door of the fume hood and take out the stored items to better clean the interior.

Wipe the interior: Use a non-woven cloth dipped in neutral detergent to wipe the inner surfaces of the fume hood, such as the work surface, wall panels and suction devices. Be careful not to use too much water or liquid to avoid affecting the normal operation of the fume hood.

Clean the filter: According to the model and manual of the fume hood, check the cleaning cycle of the filter. If the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced, follow the instructions. When cleaning or replacing the filter, appropriate personal protective equipment should also be worn.

Fourth, other precautions

Regular inspection: It is recommended to regularly check the operating status of the fume hood, such as ventilation velocity and noise. If any abnormal situation is found, contact the relevant maintenance personnel in time for inspection and repair.

Avoid damage: Fume hoods should not be used as storage cabinets. The interior should always be kept clean and airtight. If there is any damage, it must be repaired in time.

Safe operation: When cleaning the fume hood, please ensure that the operator has relevant safety knowledge and operational skills. Following the correct cleaning method guidelines can effectively protect the service life and performance of the fume hood.

Fifth, special stain treatment

For special stains inside or outside the fume hood, such as splashes of chemical liquids, they should be immediately removed with appropriate cleaning agents and relevant safety operation procedures should be followed. Avoid using cleaning agents that may cause corrosion or damage to the materials of the fume hood.

Sixth, cleaning frequency

It is recommended to formulate an appropriate cleaning plan based on factors such as the frequency of laboratory usage, the content of experimental operations, the model and specification of fume hoods, and the environmental conditions of the laboratory. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended to conduct a comprehensive cleaning and inspection of fume hoods once every quarter.

Through the above steps, the cleanliness and normal operation of the fume hood can be ensured, providing a safe and comfortable working environment for the laboratory personnel.