Noah Nichols is VP of Operations at LOC Scientific, a laboratory furniture and fume hood supplier based in Buford, GA that has designed more than 10,400 laboratories and sold or serviced over 20,800 fume hoods since 1986. In his role, Noah oversees the operational side of LOC's design, supply, and installation work for clients across healthcare, education, government, industrial, and research labs.
On the LOC Scientific blog, Noah writes about the practical realities of lab design and operations, from choosing the right materials for a given lab's chemical exposure to the workflow and safety considerations that come up during real installations.
Quick Summary A fume hood is only as protective as its last test. OSHA’s Laboratory Standard requires hoods to be maintained and functioning whenever in use, and annual containment testing under ASHRAE 110 is how that gets verified. Daily habits at the sash matter as much as the certificate on the frame. Maintaining proper fumeContinue reading “Fume Hood Safety Guidelines In Your Laboratory”
Quick Summary Eleven hood types cover most laboratory work, from general chemistry through perchloric acid, radioisotope, and walk-in designs. The chemistry decides the hood: perchloric acid work needs wash-down capability, radioisotope work needs particular liners, and a general chemistry hood substitutes for neither. Not all fume hoods serve the same purpose, and understanding the differentContinue reading “11 Types Of Fume Hoods In Your Laboratory”
Quick Summary Accurate CFM estimates begin with the clear sash opening area and the specified face velocity. Sash height directly affects the required airflow, while hood design, duct resistance, blower capacity, and room conditions influence actual performance. The calculated result supports preliminary planning, but field balancing and containment testing are needed to confirm that theContinue reading “Lab Fume Hoods CFM Calculation Explained”
Quick Summary
Clutter and large equipment in a fume hood disrupt airflow, increase chemical exposure, and create fire or physical hazards. Overcrowding can block visual monitoring, hinder emergency responses, and reduce the efficiency and lifespan of lab fume hoods. Keeping only important materials, arranging equipment carefully, and maintaining a clean workspace preserves safety, optimizes hood performance, and allows laboratory personnel to work efficiently while minimizing risks from spills, fumes, or accidents. Proper organization is key to maximizing the protective function of every hood.
Quick Summary
Chemical fume hoods play a vital role in laboratory safety by containing hazardous vapors, gases, and particles. They are necessary when handling volatile chemicals, following SDS instructions, performing reactions that produce fumes, managing hazardous waste, or working with unknown compounds. Lab fume hoods also protect personnel from odors, irritants, and particulate matter while maintaining proper airflow and environmental control. Using fume hoods consistently supports safe chemical handling, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety regulations.
Quick Summary
Fume hood design combines proper hood type selection, airflow management, containment performance, and control systems to maintain safety and efficiency in laboratories. Materials, durability, energy efficiency, and customization influence long-term performance and operational cost. Ergonomics, alarms, and operator training support safe and effective use, while integration with HVAC systems results in reliable airflow. LOC Scientific delivers USA-made lab fume hoods with customizable features, high-quality materials, and expert support to optimize lab functionality.
Fume hoods are vital safety tools designed to shield laboratory personnel from harmful fumes, vapors, and particulates. But why is it important to work in the fume hood? Knowing this helps guarantee that lab technicians and researchers are protected from dangerous chemicals and substances. When used correctly, a fume hood safeguards the health of labContinue reading “Why Is It Important To Use A Fume Hood In Your Laboratory?”
With so many options available, it can be difficult to tell which fume hood is right for your laboratory. LOC Scientific has been helping outfit all types of labs for more than 25 years, and we’re here to make the process of choosing a fume hood easier.
A walk-in fume hood is a fundamental piece of laboratory equipment. It offers both safety and functionality for professionals working in environments where hazardous fumes and chemicals are common. These hoods are designed to effectively ventilate dangerous vapors. They protect the workers by preventing harmful exposure to toxic substances.
Handling perchloric acid in a laboratory demands specialized equipment due to its highly reactive nature. A perchloric acid fume hood plays a vital role in maintaining safety when dealing with this substance, which poses significant risks if vapors are not properly managed. Unlike conventional fume hoods, these specialized systems are designed specifically to handle andContinue reading “Understanding Perchloric Acid Fume Hoods For Your Lab”
