The security aspect in labs is quite significant especially due to the presence of various chemicals. The common appliances to enhance lab safety are the fume cupboards and the chemical exhaust hoods, the appearance being very similar but having different functions. It is crucial for laboratory professionals to understand the difference. At Rio Tinto Steel Cabinet, we find it relevant to clarify more about fume cupboards and chemical exhaust hoods in detail for your convenience
Key Benefits of Fume Cupboards for Lab Safety
The fume cupboards also referred to as fume hoods are specific chambers used in laboratories to protect lab personnel from inhaling poisonous fumes, vapors and dust. It has a sliding front sash which can be operated to slide up and down. When open you can conveniently place your items inside the chamber and the moment it is closed, it isolates the fumes inside the chamber. A prominent benefit of fume cupboards is to keep toxic materials at a safe distance away from you while working. The fumes that are produced during certain experiments would be removed by the cupboard
Fume cupboards effectively control the laboratory airflow. This is quite significant because it directs the undesirable gases out of the laboratory, therefore keeping the surrounding air clean and safe. It also controls spills or splashes from scattering in the laboratory
The sizes and types of fume cupboards available vary to meet the needs and lab space of the user. Some fume cupboards are designed to handle large experiments while some are small to suit day-to-day lab usage. The standard lab fume cupboards comes equipped with an internal lighting facility so you can easily view what you are working on inside the chamber even if the sash is closed
Working inside a fume cupboard not only adds to your safety in conducting experiments but will increase the level of concentration at your work place as it increases confidence of its user in conducting the experiment without the need to worry about the toxicity of the fume to the human being
How to Choose between fume cupboards and chemical exhaust hoods
Choosing a fume cupboard or chemical exhaust hood might become confusing. The first point to consider is the work being conducted within the laboratory. If the user is often dealing with chemicals that produce hazardous fumes then the fume cupboard might be a more appropriate choice. The chemical exhaust hoods remove gases within the vicinity and not at a single point as opposed to the fume cupboard
Consider the layout of the laboratory. Fume cupboards typically stand on their own, and can be easily installed at any convenient location within the laboratory that poses a hazard. Chemical exhaust hoods would require a ventilation system that can extract gases throughout the entire laboratory. A fume cupboard is often useful for small laboratories, while a chemical exhaust hood is ideal for a much larger laboratory where there are many workers and gases produced throughout the facility
The cost of the item should also be taken into consideration. Fume cupboards tend to be more expensive due to their advanced features, and they prove to be beneficial when it comes to safety. The cost of a chemical exhaust hood might seem much more affordable than the fume cupboard initially, but it would require good installation and maintenance
Consult with fellow lab personnel about their views. The requirements of every lab are different so one might be having the ideal suggestion. According to Rio Tinto Steel Cabinet, one should carefully consider all of the above points before making a final decision
How to follow safety rules with fume cupboards
In the laboratory, safety always comes first. A fume cupboard helps protect individuals from poisonous gases and chemicals within the laboratory. Certain tips should be followed when using the fume cupboard and complying with the regulations set for laboratory environments. First, familiarize yourself with your region's standards. Different regions have different rules regarding the design and installation of lab fume cupboards. You may want to check with your school or company and ensure that your fume cupboard adheres to their specifications
Secondly, ensure the sash is maintained at the correct height when in operation. The sash is a glass panel that slides down. Its primary function is to trap all poisonous fumes from entering the working environment. It is recommended to keep the sash approximately 18 inches from the working surface
Thirdly, keep the workspace neat. A messy workstation will hinder the flow of air throughout the cupboard, and therefore compromise its effectiveness. It is advisable to keep materials off the workspace whenever possible
Fourthly, ensure that the fume cupboard is functioning correctly. Monitor the airflow indicator attached to the fume cupboard to ensure that the direction is correct. If the indicator appears to show the wrong direction then turn the cupboard off and seek help from your supervisor
Finally, when working with the fume cupboard, ensure that you wear protective gears such as gloves and goggles as an added layer of protection against any potentially hazardous chemicals you might be exposed to
Where to buy cheap chemical exhaust hoods for lab
If you are looking to buy a chemical exhaust hood that can work effectively on a tight budget you need not worry. One such place to purchase them from is Rio Tinto Steel Cabinet. They sell quality fume hoods that do not burn a hole in your pocket. You can browse their site or give them a call to get more details or to pick the fume hood that best suits your laboratory needs and the types of experiments you perform
You should also consider looking for a sale being offered on chemical exhaust hoods as often companies tend to give them at a lower cost when dealing with newly set up laboratories. Picking a reliable company is important so you don't end up disappointed with your purchase. Local suppliers often have cheap lab equipment and you could get some used equipment which is still in good shape
One may wonder where to buy these hoods cheaply online too, just be careful about purchasing from unverified dealers and also do read the reviews if there are any