Working Safely with Laboratory Fume Hoods Poster

Working Safely with Laboratory Fume Cupboards

Working Safely with Laboratory Fume Hoods

  • Ensure the exhaust is operating berfore commencing work
  • Use approriate personal protective equipment
  • Keep your head outside of the hood
  • Work as far into the hood as possible and with slow deliberate movements
  • If a potential for explosion exists, a blast shield should be utilized
  • If a combination sash is installed, do not open the vertical and horizontal sashes simultaneously
  • Do not remove airfoil or baffles as they aid the hood's airflow
  • Do not use the hood as a storage area - items can affect airflow and interfere with containment
  • Do not use the hood's sink for waste disposal
  • Do not let chemicals evaporate in the hood as a means of disposal
  • Do not leave uncapped bottles of chemicals or waste in the hood
  • If performance is suspected, or an airflow alarm is triggered (if installed), terminate usage, close the sash completely and cease work
  • Do not use perchloric acid in a conventional fume hood - explosive perchlorate salts could accumulate in the exhaust system
  • Minimize external airflow disturbances including foot traffic
  • Perform routine maintenance and certification

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