Laboratory Fume Hood Usage Precautions

 

I. Fume Hood Usage Guidelines

The fume hood is an essential component of laboratory equipment. In a scientific lab environment, effective ventilation is crucial for maintaining a clean environment, ensuring the scientific validity and reliability of experiments, and maintaining safety throughout the process. Therefore, the following points should be observed when using a fume hood:

1. Indoor air temperature should be between -5°C and +40°C, with a 24-hour average not exceeding +25°C.
2. Even when the fume hood is not in use, the lab should be ventilated regularly to benefit the health of lab personnel.
3. If two or more fume hoods share a single fan, only one operator should control the “on” and “off” function of the fan to prevent operational errors. If one fume hood is temporarily unused, a damper valve should be used to close its vent, avoiding repeated on/off operations that may reduce fan lifespan and affect experiment accuracy.
4. Avoid interference from reverse airflow caused by people walking near the fume hood while it’s in use.
5. Every two hours, provide 10 minutes of additional ventilation by opening a window. For use exceeding five hours, keep windows open to prevent negative pressure indoors.

II. Safety Precautions

For laboratory safety, please observe the following:

1. Do not conduct experiments inside the fume hood if it is not switched on.
2. Do not insert your head inside the fume hood during experiments for operation or observation.
3. Do not store or experiment with flammable or explosive substances inside the fume hood.
4. Do not place extension cords or power cables inside the fume hood.
5. Do not conduct experiments involving prohibited organic compounds or high-chlorine compounds within the fume hood.
6. If an experiment material is unstable, do not conduct the experiment in the fume hood without proper precautions. In the event of chemical splashes, immediately cut off the power.
7. When moving the sash window up or down, do so slowly and gently to avoid injury.
8. During the experiment, the sash should ideally be positioned 100–150 mm above the work surface.
9. Keep the fume hood operation area clear; avoid storing items around the fume hood.
10. If the fume hood malfunctions or you hear unusual fan noises, stop operation and call a professional for repair. Do not attempt repairs yourself.
11. When not in use, avoid storing excessive lab equipment or chemicals on the fume hood surface; avoid long-term accumulation.
12. If you experience poor ventilation, contact the supplier promptly.