In a fume hood, a variety of precautions must be taken. For instance, large equipment should be placed on blocks to elevate it off the surface, preferably near the rear of the hood. Placing large items too close to the front will result in excessive air turbulence and variations in face velocity. Also, a fume hood should never be used as a storage space for chemicals or other materials. Instead, the shelves on the sides of the hood can be used to store chemicals.
Face velocity
Face velocity is a measure of the air speed at the inlet of the fume hood. When it is below 0.3MPS, a fume hood is probably safe, although there’s no relationship between face velocity and containment. If it is above 0.5MPS, however, a fume hood should be discarded and a new one purchased.
Face velocity is important because it dictates the amount of air that can enter a fume hood at a safe rate. This is a critical measurement because a fume hood can’t perform effectively without the proper amount of air intake, which will result in harmful gas being released into the air.
Static pressure gauges
Static pressure gauges are instruments that measure static pressure within a space. They are typically mounted in the exhaust duct or on the face of a hood. They can also be used to monitor air velocity. The Series DH3 Gauge allows the user to set the pressure, velocity, and engineering units of the instrument.
These gauges are essential for safety in fume hoods. They measure airflow in a lab or fume duct and provide a visible reading to the fume hood occupants. In addition, many fume hoods also have alarms and survey stickers that record usage data. Static pressure gauges are usually aneroid-style pressure gauges.
Documentation
If your laboratory is prone to accidents involving fume hoods, you must document the accidents as soon as possible. This is critical to keep your laboratory safe, but it also helps you avoid losing data or witness details. Documenting fume hood accidents can help you learn from the accident and prevent future ones.
Fume hoods are used to contain hazardous materials and are designed to prevent the spread of harmful fumes. These hoods are often fitted with sliding screens, referred to as sashes. These screens are designed to draw close to maximize air velocity and minimize fume escape. However, the sash’s optimal position is based on several factors, including the size of the person using the hood.
Acid resistant fume hoods
Acid resistant fume hoods are ideal for use in laboratories that analyze rare elements, research the chemistry of trace metals, or conduct wastewater treatment. These hoods are also ideal for food safety agencies testing for toxic elements. They are designed to protect workers from the fumes of perchloric acid, which is a colorless and clear liquid that is highly corrosive and explosive under certain conditions.
Some acid resistant fume hoods feature PVC liners or Lexan sashes. These sashes can resist the etching effects of hydrofluoric acid. These units come with washdown systems to remove any residue after use. In addition to being acid resistant, these hoods are often made of polypropylene, which is incredibly durable. Polypropylene is also superior to PVC, which means that it will protect your workers for years to come.
Adding devices to a fume hood
When you are working with chemicals, adding devices to a fume hood can help protect you and your workers from hazardous chemical exposure. There are several ways to add devices to a fume hood, and some may be better for your work environment than others. Here are a few suggestions.
One of the most important safety devices to have on a fume hood is a performance indicator. These devices continuously monitor the air flow in a fume hood and display a visible reading for hood users. The most common types of visual performance indicators are differential pressure manometers and digital monitoring devices. Adding a performance indicator to your fume hood is important for two reasons. First, it keeps you informed of the status of the airflow in the hood, and it keeps you safe from chemical exposure.
Welding fumes
Metal fumes produced by welding are not only hazardous to human health, but they can cause a range of ailments. Among these are fluid in the lungs, irritation of the nose and eyes, and a dry cough. In addition to that, exposure to these fumes can lead to pulmonary oedema and chronic lung diseases.
The potential health effects of welding fumes depend on the concentration and the size of the particles deposited in the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract is divided into three major subdivisions: alveolar, bronchial, and tracheobronchial. The particles generated during welding fall into the deepest part of the lungs, the alveolar region.