How To Use A Fume Hood In The Laboratory: A Step-By-Step Guide

Knowing how to use a fume hood safely in the laboratory is essential for protecting yourself and your colleagues from harmful fumes and airborne contaminants. A fume hood is a ventilation device designed to capture and contain hazardous substances, keeping the air in the lab clean. Follow these steps to ensure safe and effective fume hood operation.

Step 1: Check the Fume Hood Before Starting

Before you start, inspect the fume hood to make sure it’s functioning correctly. Look for any signs of damage or obstructions that could affect airflow. Confirm that the airflow monitor or gauge reads within the appropriate range. This reading shows that air is moving into the hood at the right speed to contain fumes.

If you notice any issues with airflow, contact maintenance before proceeding. A properly functioning fume hood is essential for containing chemicals and ensuring lab safety.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Clear the area inside the fume hood, removing unnecessary items and equipment. Excess materials can obstruct airflow, making the fume hood less effective. Place any tools or materials you’ll need for your work within easy reach, but avoid crowding the space.

Position your equipment and materials at least six inches from the front edge of the hood. This helps maintain a steady flow of air across the workspace, effectively capturing fumes and preventing them from escaping.

Step 3: Adjust the Sash to the Correct Height

The sash is the sliding glass panel at the front of the fume hood, and its position is essential for safety. Adjust the sash to the recommended working height, usually between 12 to 18 inches. Keeping the sash at this level helps contain fumes and provides a protective barrier.

Avoid raising the sash higher than necessary, as this can disrupt airflow and reduce the hood’s effectiveness. Keeping it at the proper height also reduces your exposure to any hazardous materials inside.

Step 4: Work Within the Hood

When using a fume hood, always conduct your work inside the hood, not near the edges. Position yourself so that your hands and equipment are within the hood’s interior. This minimizes the chance of fumes escaping and maximizes the hood’s ability to capture contaminants.

Keep your head outside the fume hood opening as much as possible. Leaning in too far can interfere with airflow and increase your exposure to hazardous substances.

Step 5: Minimize Movements to Maintain Airflow

Excessive or rapid movements near the fume hood can disrupt airflow, reducing its effectiveness. Work slowly and avoid reaching in and out frequently. If you need to reach for additional materials, it’s best to pause your work and gather everything at once.

Limiting movements near the sash opening helps keep the airflow steady, ensuring fumes are safely contained within the hood.

Step 6: Dispose of Waste Properly

When your work is finished, carefully dispose of any hazardous waste following your lab’s disposal procedures. Do not leave chemical waste or contaminated materials inside the fume hood. Proper disposal keeps the workspace clean and prevents contamination.

Wipe down the interior of the fume hood after each use. This simple step helps maintain a safe, organized environment for the next user and prevents residues from accumulating.

Step 7: Close the Sash When Done

Once you’ve finished your work and removed all materials from the fume hood, lower the sash to the closed position. Keeping the sash closed when not in use saves energy and maintains the integrity of the lab’s ventilation system. Many modern fume hoods have automatic sash closures for added convenience and safety.

Our Laboratory Design Services can help you choose fume hoods that meet your lab’s specific needs, offering options that include automatic sash closures and airflow monitors.

Regular Maintenance and Testing

For a fume hood to remain effective, it requires regular testing and maintenance. Face velocity tests should be conducted at least annually to ensure the hood is drawing in air at the correct speed. We offer maintenance services to keep your fume hoods functioning properly, ensuring a safe working environment.

Support for Your Lab’s Safety and Efficiency from LOC Scientific

Proper use of a fume hood is key to maintaining a safe laboratory environment and protecting personnel from hazardous fumes. Following these steps helps keep harmful substances contained and promotes a safer workspace.

LOC Scientific is committed to assisting labs with selecting the right fume hood and providing maintenance and testing services. With decades of experience, our team is ready to meet your lab’s unique needs and help enhance safety and performance. Contact us today to learn how we can support your lab operations.