What is a Chemical Fume Hood?
A Chemical Fume Hood is a vital safety device used in laboratories to protect workers from inhaling hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust. It is an enclosed workspace with a ventilation system that draws air away from the user, filtering and expelling harmful substances outside the building. By using a chemical fume hood, lab workers can safely conduct experiments while minimizing exposure to dangerous substances.
Key Features:
- Sash Window: Adjustable glass window that provides a barrier between the user and the chemicals.
- Ducted Airflow: Constant airflow that pulls contaminants away from the user and vents it outside.
- Flow Alarm: Exterior alarm that loudly beeps when air flow is too low.
When is a Fume Hood Required?
- Handling Chemicals: When working with flammable, toxic, or odorous chemicals that can easily vaporize.
- Mixing Chemicals: During procedures that might generate harmful fumes, vapors, or dust.
- Heating Chemicals: When heating substances that could release hazardous gases.
- Performing Reactions: Any chemical reactions that could produce dangerous byproducts.
- Using Hazardous Materials: When working with materials that have a high risk of exposure through inhalation.
It's also important to ensure the fume hood is functioning properly before use, and to follow all safety protocols, such as keeping the sash at the proper height and not blocking airflow.
Fact SHEET: Chemical Fume Hoods
Fume Hood Certification and Repairs
- OEHS conducts annual inspections of all Tulane Fume Hoods and applies a Certification Sticker on passing. Do not use a Fume Hood that has failed inspection!
- Contact OEHS if your Fume Hood is overdue for inspection.
- If your Fume Hood Alarm is beeping, contact OEHS@tulane.edu. Do not continue to use a Fume Hood that is Alarming or not running!
- OEHS will submit a ServiceWave for Fume Hood repairs on behalf of a lab but does not perform repairs.
- Facilities Services may charge repair fees to your lab depending on the issue.
- After repairs are completed, notify OEHS for recertification of the Fume Hood.
Considering a new Fume Hood?
- OEHS recommends fume hoods with a face velocity of 100 feet per minute. Ductless fume hoods are not recommended.
- Fume hoods must have an attached Flow Alarm that audibly alarms when air flow drops.
- Use of Hydrofluoric Acid or heated Perchloric Acid require specially designed Fume Hood and Ducting.
- Low traffic locations with stable air currents are ideal. Not adjacent to doors or windows.
- Do not install Fume Hoods face to face opposite to other ventilation devices such as existing Hoods or Biosafety Cabinets.
- Fume Hoods must be located within 55 feet of a Lab Eye Wash.
