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benchtop fume hood
Observations made:
During this evaluation, we noted that the existing chemical fume
hoods were not routinely used for their intended purpose but were
instead used for the storage of equipment or chemicals. In addition,
almost all activities involving the use of volatile materials
or resulting in the generation of fumes, vapors or odors were
conducted at bench top without the aid of additional mechanical
ventilation. As a result, these activities may have adversely
impacted the indoor air quality in the effected areas.
We also observed that the staff used the hoods to evaporate unwanted
reagents or experimental byproducts as a means to reduce or consolidate
laboratory waste. State and federal hazardous waste management
regulation consider this improper and illegal waste treatment.
Therefore, you should not copy this practice because you would
be promoting the introduction of contaminants into the atmosphere
and the local environment.
Our survey also found that neither the staff nor the students
had been provided with guidance in terms of how to safely operate
the hoods or what activities and uses were considered appropriate
and acceptable. As a result, the hoods were rarely operated in
a manner to maximize the effectiveness of the unit and the safety
of the operator.
During our inspection, we noted that most of the fume hoods were
in a state of serious disrepair. We found units that were missing
interior panels and covers and as a result leaked contaminants.
We found hoods with malfunctioning or inoperative ventilation
fans. We also observed hoods vented through duct work that was
perforated. Finally, we also found that all the hoods serving
the science area were constructed so that the hood exhaust was
located adjacent to the hood intake. As a result materials evacuated
by the hood could be re-entrained by the intake and brought back
into the classroom.
 Please Contact Us to discuss your benchtop fume hood
needs. You design it, we build it.
benchtop
fume hood
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