There are few products in the lab that are more important than a fume hood. In fact, fume hoods are some of the most important equipment a laboratory can have, because it keeps employees safe. Fume hoods not only keep the employee working safe, but everyone in the lab as well. If you are looking for a laboratory fume hood, here are some tips on what to look for in a fume hood or in fume hood accessories.
What Exactly Does A Fume Hood Do?
Fume hoods work to make laboratories safe from the chemical fumes and volatile vapors that may occur during daily operations within a laboratory. Fume hoods do two things. First, they work with airflow to ensure that fumes are taken out of the area and away from employees. Then fume hoods work to treat the air with filters or exhaust systems as well as disperse it if needed. Fume hoods are essential for laboratory work, especially for work with toxic chemicals that could be fatal if inhaled.
What Should I Look for in a Fume Hood?
First, the fume hood needs to comply with specific standards. There are organizations which check and certify scientific equipment for use in the labs. For example, the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA), certifies lab equipment for use in laboratories where potentially dangerous or toxic agents are used in experiments and research. The association has a checklist for equipment to meet certain standards. For example, a fume hood needs to have an efficient airflow system as well as an alarm that sounds if the airflow on the fume hood malfunctions.
You also need to make sure that in addition to warning alarms, your fume hood has a tempered safety glass sash and a vapor proof light. Fume hoods need to be made with strong and durable materials that are easy to clean. Be sure that the fume hood you get is also adapted to the workspace for your employees. A good fume hood manufacturer will be able to accommodate your needs as well as the safety needs of your employees.