FUME HOOD SAFETY

Environmental Energy Technologies Division

Safety Topic

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July 12, 2012

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Fume Hoods

• Fume hoods are installed in laboratories to protect workers from hazardous contaminants generated by experiments.
• The fume hood must be used properly in order to provide adequate protection.
• There are some simple precautions you can take to ensure your protection:
• Check airflow indicator (s)
• Reduce obstructions
• Keep sash closed
• Keep work 6 inches inside the hood
• Limit turbulence in front of the hood

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Check Air Flow

• Check the air flow prior to each use of the hood to ensure it is drawing the appropriate amount of air.
• Each hood is equipped with a digital airflow monitor that displays the face velocity.
• Average face velocity should be at or above 100 feet per minute.
• It the airflow is too low, a visible and audible alarm will sound.
• Do not use a hood that does not meet minimum flow requirements!
• DO NOT attempt to modify settings. Contact EHS if you think there is a problem with the monitor or would like an airflow check.

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Fume Hood Housekeeping

• Obstructions inside the hood can reduce the effectiveness of the fume hood.
• Minimize storage inside the hood. Keep at least 50% of the work area clear.
• Always place containers and work at least 6 inches from the hood face.
• Keep the exhaust slots at the back of the hood clear.
• To minimize airflow disruption:
• Keep a 3 inch gap along the sides and back of the work surface.
• Elevate large piece of equipment 2-3 inches.
• Keep a 2-3 inch gap between equipment.

Poor Storage

Good Storage

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Keep Hood Sash Closed

• Keep the sash height 18 inches or less from the working surface while working in the hood.
• The sash should be kept CLOSED when you are not working in the hood. This adds to your safety!
• Significant energy is consumed when sashes are left open. This results in unnecessary costs to LBNL and a waste of resources.
• Color coded reminder stickers are being placed on all EETD lab area fume hoods.

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Limit Turbulence in Front of Hood

• Air turbulence can affect the adequate containment of hazardous contaminants inside the hood, creating possible exposure issues.
• You can minimize air turbulence by doing the following:
• Keep work at least 6 inches inside the hood.
• Elevate large piece of equipment.
• Don’t open doors and windows near hoods. This can alter the airflow balance in a room and disrupt airflow into the fume hood.
• Minimize traffic or movement in front of the hood when working with chemicals.
• Avoid fast walking in front of the hood.

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Fume Hood Maintenance

• All fume hoods are checked and calibrated at least every two years.
• A sticker on the hood documents each survey.
• Fume hoods that fail the minimum exhaust flow requirements must be taken out of service until repaired or corrected.
• If a fume hood is alarming or not operating properly, contact the Facilities Work Request Center at X6274 (X5481 after hours).

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More Information

• Review the hazard controls section of the Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan.
• For additional information on proper fume hood use, see the following link from Labconco:
• Labconco Fume Hood Video
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2Pp3wge2j8

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