The Usage Method of Fume Hoods

As an important safety device in the laboratory, the correct usage of a fume hood is crucial for protecting the safety of laboratory personnel and ensuring the cleanliness of the experimental environment. The following is the usage method of the fume hood:

First, check before use

Confirm that the power is on: Check whether the power switch of the fume hood and the switch of the fluorescent lamp are both turned on.

Check the exhaust status: Confirm that the fume hood is in the exhaust state to ensure the normal operation of the fan.

Check whether other facilities, such as the water supply and drainage system, power sockets, etc., are in normal condition.

Second, precautions during use

Avoid inserting the head: When conducting experiments in the fume hood, the experimenters must not insert their heads into the regulating door to prevent danger.

Control the height of the fume hood door: During and after the experiment, do not pull the fume hood door too high. If the cabinet door is placed too high, it will reduce the collection rate of pollutants, increase the leakage rate, expose the operator's face to the pollutants, and also increase energy consumption.

Placement of items: Experimental items and equipment should be placed deep inside the fume hood and at least 15 to 20 centimeters away from the regulating door to ensure smooth exhaust. The equipment should be placed as close as possible to the air inlet inside the fume hood (usually on the innermost and top sides) to increase the capture rate.

Equipment placement: If large equipment is to be used or the height of the equipment exceeds 10 centimeters, stainless steel brackets or other equipment should be used to raise it to ensure that there is an air passage below.

Avoid excessive items: Do not place too many unnecessary items and equipment in the fume hood to prevent interfering with the normal flow of air and causing turbulence. The total area of equipment or other facilities inside the fume hood shall not exceed 50% of the countertop panel area.

Pay attention to the power supply equipment: If power supply equipment is used inside the fume hood, it should be grounded to reduce the possibility of spark generation. The power cord should be pulled out from the air inlet at the bottom. The external power socket should also have a complete and certified grounding facility.

Reduce air flow disturbance: Avoid generating a large amount of air flow disturbance inside the fume hood, such as rapid movement or waving your arms. When pollutants start to be produced inside the fume hood, the operator must approach or leave the fume hood slowly.

Environmental control: If the fume hood is close to the door or window, the door or window should be closed when in use. Fans and other devices must not be turned on near the fume hood to reduce the interference of ambient air flow.

Third, precautions after use

Clean the fume hood: After the experiment is completed, wait until all the exhaust gas is discharged before wiping and cleaning the hood body. No items should be stored in the fume hood. Residues and reagent splashes should be removed in time.

Turn off the equipment: Close all water, electricity and gas switches inside the fume hood and lower the regulating door to the lowest position.

Turn off the power and lighting: Finally, turn off the power switch of the fume hood and the lighting equipment.

Fourth, regular maintenance and upkeep

Regular cleaning: Regularly clean the fume hood, including its inner and outer surfaces, work surface, wall panels, etc. Especially the filters should be replaced or cleaned regularly according to the usage conditions.

Check performance: Regularly inspect the performance of the fume hood, such as air velocity and face velocity, to ensure it meets safety standards.

Professional maintenance: If any abnormality or damage is found in the fume hood, professional personnel should be contacted promptly for repair.

Fifth, Safety Tips

When using a fume hood, it is essential to follow the laboratory safety regulations and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Explosive experiments or the storage of flammable and explosive items are strictly prohibited in fume hoods.

The fume hood is only for experimental operation purposes and cannot be used as a storage cabinet.

In conclusion, the correct use of fume hoods requires following a series of strict operation steps and precautions. Through reasonable use and regular maintenance, the long-term stable operation of the fume hood can be ensured and the safety of the laboratory personnel can be effectively protected.