Fume hood

Safe Use and Maintenance of Fume Hoods in the Laboratory

The fume hood is the most important health protection shield in the laboratory. However, its protective effectiveness reaches the maximum level only when the device is operated correctly and maintained regularly.

Proper operation procedures are key for the fume hood to work effectively

Before each work shift, make sure to carefully check the following components:

- Ensure the filter is still within its service life and not saturated, especially for ductless hoods. Many modern laboratory air filtration hoods are also equipped with sensors that monitor the filter status to provide timely warnings.

- Start the fan and listen to the machine running, ensuring that the airflow is functioning normally. At the same time, check that the power supply is stable and safe.

Ensure the sash moves smoothly.

Pay attention to safe operation procedures:

- Always turn on the exhaust fan at least 5 minutes before starting the experiment to stabilize the airflow.

- Conduct experiments and place chemicals only inside the hood’s working area.

- The sash should be lowered to the safety level recommended by the manufacturer (usually marked), to create optimal suction speed and protect the user from spills.

- After completing the work, let the fan run for a few more minutes to completely remove any remaining toxic fumes, then turn off the power and clean the work area.

Daily cleaning of the fume hood should be performed. You should wipe the work surface and sash with a solution appropriate for the chemicals used. In addition, checking and replacing the filter is the most important task for ductless fume hoods. Depending on usage and the type of chemicals, the filter usually has a lifespan of 6 months to 2 years. You need to replace the filter when the sensor issues a warning (if the hood is equipped), or when you begin to notice chemical odors escaping into the working environment.

Choosing high-quality fume hood products

Correct use must go hand in hand with quality equipment. EMIN Vietnam is a leading distributor of fume hoods and ductless laboratory air filtration units from reputable brands.

Some notable fume hood products at EMIN include: the Multi-purpose Ducted Fume Hood DaiHan FHD-15, the SH Scientific SH-HD-1800UP Fume Hood, and the JEIOTECH DLH-11G Ductless Fume Hood.

In addition, you can see more: Why is it necessary to prepare a fume hood in the laboratory?