Fume hoods is among the safety devices used in laboratory settings. Unfortunately, even the best make and model of laboratory fume hoods may fall short of efficiency and safety when you fail to comply with the safety protocols within the laboratory. Keep in mind that the slightest mistake in handling the fume hood may lead to dangerous consequences.
So, here is a lie up of the fume hood mistakes and what you should do about them:
1. Not having the training to handle the fume hood
You might have been working in the laboratory for a long time ad have a wealth of knowledge about the device and how they run. However, that does not certify that you are good to handle the fume hood as well. Anyone handling this device needs to have adequate training. That way, they won’t put the samples as well the workspace exposed to risks. If you have new people joining the laboratory research team, make sure to train them adequately and give them necessary instructions about mishandling the equipment.
2. Not maintaining the required distance from the fume hood
One of the major lab safety errors that occur when working with a fume hood is not maintaining a safe distance from the fume hood. In the event of fire or explosion, the people working near the fume hood are prone to sustain maximum injuries. A laboratory must not allow more people to stay near the fume hood, especially near the opening. A good way to prevent accidents would be placing the hood face in a location so that people don’t need to come in front of it.
Apart from this, you must ensure that things are not taken out of the hood and no ventilation is directed toward it like the HVAC ductwork or portable fans. It might disrupt the airflow and allow the contaminants to come out and cause exposure. Even the chemicals used need to be kept at a safe distance about six inches away from the face opening to maximise safety.
3. Not testing the fume hood regularly
You need to follow several guidelines and comply with the safety standards when working with the hood. Among the most important safety protocols you need to follow is not testing the hood regularly. With this, you can ensure that the equipment is in good working order, capable of complying with the safety regulations, and can safeguard the workers as well as the quality of the samples. It is not hard to avoid these mistakes; all that is needed is proper knowledge for protecting laboratories and handling the fume hood.
4. Storing chemicals inside the hood for long period
You can store chemicals inside the laboratory fume hood when it is in operation but they are conventionally not designed for storing chemicals. When items are kept within the hood, it can cause unnecessary turbulence. As a result, the contaminants may spill out of the equipment. Typically, the airflow that comes out of the hood is stronger than what is required for storing closed containers. If you have concerns about storing chemicals, it needs to stay within safety cabinet that are approved for this purpose.
5. Handling emergencies
Safety of fume hoods is crucial and is centred on technical expertise. Laboratory worker need to have proper training and education to keep mistakes at bay. However, accidents may still occur and pose risks to workers. Fr instance, if an employee notices chemical spills coming out of the equipment, the matter is to be immediately reported to the supervisors and everyone who are in charge of the laboratory. The first thing to do is deactivation of the device immediately when you notice signs of trouble.
Fume hoods are an integral part of most laboratories. So, using it properly ensures that it operates efficiently and the lab spared of risks that may lead to accidents. Every laboratory worker needs to ensure safe working environment in the laboratory and avoid the basis errors in handling the equipment.
Aare you looking forward to ordering a new fume hood that is safe and reliable for laboratory usage? At IGene Labserve, we manufacture top-grade lab equipment and cater to a wide clientele. Get in touch with us here https://www.igenels.com/ to explore laboratory fume hoods and place the order today.
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