We have seen that the most common scenario in a lot of laboratories is, a fume hood which is cluttered with tools which are significantly oversized like rows of bottles filled with reagents, glass beakers stacked into it etc.

While you may think that it's an easy and convenient thing to do, just put stuff in the fume hood, use it like a storage spot but you must be aware that it is one of the most dangerous things which can be done by a researcher, and this habit must be stopped.

 A fume hood is a device which is known as a dynamic safety device, and obviously it is not a static shelf, and if you clutter it, that's the most damaging thing for the machine.

 The Science of Airflow

 To keep you protected, a fume hood works with a certain accurate, laminar flow of air. Air comes inside through the opening present in the front ( known as the face) and is pulled toward the baffles which are at the back side of it.

 But if you keep large objects inside or make it cluttered by putting the containers, all you are doing is causing turbulence. These objects act like big stones in the river, causing the air to swirl and after that roll back outside from the hood towards the operator.

  The Danger of "Dead Spots"

 Even when there is movement of the air, the heavy clutter can create “dead spots” and that can create pockets of stagnant air where harmful vapors can gather.

 If a tiny bit of spilling happens behind the row of kept bottles, the vapors will most likely not reach the exhaust baffles effectively. Instead, they can accumulate and have a build up until it's released out in the lab where it can be inhaled.

Best Practices for a Clear Workspace

 If you want to keep the integrity of your containment, you must follow these rules: 

●     The 6-Inch Rule: Whenever you want to do the work, always do it at approximately six inches inside the sash. Do not ever keep anything right at the very corner, as it will disrupt the “ air curtain" that helps in keeping the vapors inside.

●     Elevate Large Equipment: If you have no other option and it's a necessity for you to keep the large object in the hood ( like a planetary ball mill or a heating block) you must remember to keep it on the legs or blocks. This allows the air to keep flowing underneath the object, keeping The massive dead zone totally prevented from occurring at the back.

●     Clear the Baffles:  Always make sure that  you lean against it and block the slots in the back side of the hood.

These slots work as the exhaust lungs of this mechanism; if they are blocked, the hood will not be able to breathe at all.

The Bottom Line: If you are not using a chemical or a piece of equipment at the moment while while working on your experiment, its place is not in the hood. Keep it clear, keep it safe, and let the air do its job.

Invest in Ultimate Safety!

 If you want to keep your lab secured, buy Samarainstruments heavy-duty Fume Exhaust Hoods.

We crafted a machine which is a chemical-resistant SS 304 built, our units are built to safeguard your lab, order yours today!

For any enquiry related to any laboratory instruments, feel free to contact us:

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