How to Select the Right Chemical Fume Hood for Your Laboratory?

A fume hood is an indispensable piece of furniture in a laboratory; it is a barrier that protects a person against exposure to the harmful effects of fumes, chemicals, and contaminants. The right chemical fume hood will enormously influence safety and efficacy whether it is an educational, research, or industrial institution.
Now, lets take a closer look at some of the considerations when choosing the best for your laboratory.

Considerations before choosing a chemical fume hood for a laboratory:

• Know Your Laboratory Needs
• Size and location of the fume hood
• The construction quality of the hood
• Functionality and ventilation system of the fume hood
• Compliance with safety standards
• Customisable options available based on your needs

Know Your Laboratory Needs

First, you need to identify the fume hood’s intended use. Will it be for general chemical application, for radioactive material usage, or perchloric acid work? The application type defines the design of each chemical fume hood. For example:

• Ducted Fume Hoods – are most applicable in heavy chemicals and require maximum ventilation.
• Ductless Fume Hoods – are portable and mostly used for labs with lighter chemical activities.

Knowledge of these subtleties makes your fume hood suitable for the activities in your laboratory.

Size and location

Space remains a fundamental factor that helps you decide the size of your fume hood. Measure the area available in your laboratory and design its location to enable the smoothness of all the activities undertaken in it and air circulation. So, also consider that it has enough clearance for safe operation and regular maintenance.

Material

The material for the construction of a chemical fume hood is significant for durability and chemical resistance. The commonly chosen materials are stainless steel or epoxy-coated ones. If your work involves the use of some very corrosive materials, go for hoods made of special materials designed to endure such conditions.

Efficiency and Ventilation Systems

A good fume hood does not only protect its users; it also enhances the energy efficiency of your lab. So, some models have very good ventilation systems to sustain airflow while being energy-efficient. Modern hoods are manufactured to provide excellent safety without very much additional cost in energy use. These advanced systems properly maintain the airflow effectively by ensuring that the hazardous fumes are efficiently removed without overburdening the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems of the particular institution.

Compliance with Safety Standards

Always check that the fume hood that you will choose must comply with recognised safety standards. The manufacturer must provide certified products for guaranteed safety in long-term applications.

Customisable Options

All labs have different specifications. Go for the vendor that has the option of customising, for example, adjustable airflow controls, additional lighting, sash designs, and much more. Customising your fume hood would ensure that it caters to all of your operational demands.

Final Thoughts

Getting the right chemical fume hood would be considered an investment concerning safety, efficiency, and even peace of mind. With careful analysis of your lab’s needs, it will be a step closer to getting a fume hood that would provide optimum protection and function.

Would you like to fit your laboratory with high-quality equipment? Just check UR Biocoction and view our range of fume hoods and other laboratory essentials. Your lab deserves the best when it comes to safety, so check out our reliable and innovative solutions on our official website.