Chemical Fume Hoods

| Chemical Safety Manual (PDF) |

Laboratory fume hoods are the first defense to minimize chemical exposure to research workers. They are considered the primary means of protection from inhalation of hazardous vapors. It is, therefore, important that all potentially harmful chemical work be conducted inside a properly functioning fume hood. When installed, fume hoods should be inspected in accordance with ASHRAE 110 to ensure proper ventilation. ASHRAE 110 is the industry standard tracer gas mannequin method. ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. 

The following are a few health and safety tips concerning fume hoods:

• Substitute toxic chemicals with less hazardous materials whenever possible.
• Keep fume hood exhaust fans on at all times.
• Perform all work six inches inside the hood.
• Never place your head inside the hood.
• Keep the hood sash closed as much as possible at all times to ensure the optimum face velocity and to minimize energy usage.
• Keep lab doors closed to ensure negative room pressure to the corridor and proper air flow into the hood.
• Do not store chemicals for extended periods of time in the hood.
• Keep the slots of the baffle free of obstruction.
• Do not use the hood as a waste disposal mechanism (e.g., for evaporation of chemicals).
• Avoid rapid movements in front of the hood including opening and closing the fume hood sash rapidly and swift arm and body movements in front of or inside the hood. These actions may increase turbulence and reduce the effectiveness of fume hood containment.
• Do not override or disable mechanical stops on the sash.
• Train and educate employees regarding specific hazards and include work methods that help reduce contaminant exposure.
• Have a general awareness of the operation of your hood and be aware of any differences in visual or audible cues that may imply a change in function.

For additional information, please call EH&S at 4111.

Last Updated on 09/15/06. For questions regarding this department's website, please contact us at x4111 . Privacy Statement  Copyright 2006 University of Texas at Dallas.