What is the most important safety precaution to follow when using a fume hood?
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Fume hoods are designed to keep laboratory professionals safe while working with hazardous materials. They filter the air to prevent the inhalation of toxic particles that can lodge in the lungs and cause serious health implications.
Show  In order for fume hoods to provide protection, users must follow basic safety practices. No matter how well a fume hood is designed, it won’t be effective unless proper laboratory safety measures are taken.
Before Using A Fume HoodFamiliarize yourself with the chemicals. When working with hazardous material, you should make sure you know the potential safety hazards. Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and follow the safety precautions. Note the nearest exit, emergency eyewash, and fire extinguisher. Make sure the pathways to these areas are unobstructed. Check the fume hood certification sticker. Fume hoods should be inspected once a year. The certification sticker lists when the hood was last tested and its average face velocity. The average face velocity ranges from 100 fpm to 120 fpm. Typically, general use fume hoods are set at 115 fpm. Ensure the exhaust is operating properly. A fume hood’s main job is to exhaust hazardous vapors and fumes out of the area.
Assure all sashes, interior baffles, and panels are in place.
Wear appropriate protective gear. You may need additional safety gear depending on what materials you’re using. For example, splash goggles, gloves, and a full face shield may be needed for acid testing. In the case of unplanned spills or fires, users will be protected from serious harm if they are wearing the proper safety gear.
Properly Using A Fume HoodAll procedures that include the use of volatile materials should take place inside of a fume hood. Flammable solvents, corrosive acids, corrosive bases, combustible or potentially explosive concentrations of gases, irritating vapors or dust, asphyxiating gases, or open sources of volatile radionuclides are all examples of materials that must be used inside of a fume hood. Place chemicals at least six inches inside the hood. In the case of an emergency, you’ll need to be able to close the sash quickly. Make sure that nothing is ever blocking this area and only the chemicals you need for the procedure are inside of the hood. Additional materials will only increase the hazard. Also, placing chemicals at least six inches inside of the hood will limit the potential for fumes to escape into the laboratory. Keep the sash at 18 inches or less from the working surface while using the hood to ensure maximum flow rate and to protect yourself from potential chemical splashes or explosions. The sash works as a safety shield in the case of an explosion. The glass is designed to spider instead of shatter. The sash should be closed when you are not working in the hood. Keep your face outside of the fume hood. Unless you’re using a walk-in fume hood, your hands should be the only part of your body inside of the hood. The sash acts as a barrier and is there for protection while completing hazardous work. Place large equipment on blocks. This will allow air to flow beneath it and enable the fume hood to do its job. Do not disturb the airflow. Using exterior fans near the fume hood opening may cause airflow disturbances, which will alter the effectiveness of the fume hood. Likewise, walking near the hood opening or making quick motions in or out of the hood may have a similar effect. Rapid movements can create sufficient turbulence to disrupt the inward flow of air into the hood and may result in worker exposure.
After Using A Fume HoodShut the sash. It is necessary to have the fume hood open when working inside of it, but when not in use, keep it closed. When the sash is closed, energy will be conserved. Place hazardous materials in a closed container. To avoid releasing hazardous materials into the laboratory air, place materials in a closed container prior to removing them from the hood. If you’re planning on using a fume hood, familiarize yourself with basic functions and emergency procedures. Note that specialty fume hoods may require additional measures before, during, or after use. Design your experiments to minimize your exposure to hazardous materials and always look for ways to improve safety. When fume hoods are used properly, they help to ensure that laboratories remain safe and effective workspaces for all. What rules should be followed to properly use a fume hood?Safe Fume Hood Work Practices
Keep the hood sash closed as much as possible. Keep the hood slots and baffles free of obstruction by apparatus or containers. Do not permanently store apparatus or chemicals in the hood. Large equipment used inside the hood should be placed on blocks to allow airflow under the equipment.
What is a fume hood safety?A chemical fume hood is the main piece of laboratory equipment that protects laboratory staff working with hazardous chemicals. When properly used, fume hoods protect staff from inhaling chemical gases, vapors, and aerosols.
When using a fume hood you should work at least?Conduct all work at least 6 inches inside of the hood. The capture ability of a fume hood is reduced at the front edge of the hood because of air turbulence. Always wear splash goggles, and use a full face shield if there is possibility of an explosion or eruption. Wear gloves appropriate for the materials being used.
Why is it important to work in the fume hood during this step?Fume hoods, or fume cupboards, work to ensure the safety of lab personnel while working with hazardous materials by continuously delivering airflow away from the user. When used properly, fume hoods can prevent users and the environment from toxic gases, explosions, and spills.
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