A fume hood or fume cupboard/closet is a type of local ventilation device that is designed to

limit exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes, vapors or dusts.

Fume hood
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Not to be confused with Exhaust hood.

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Fume hood

A common modern fume hood.

Other names

Hood
Fume cupboard

Uses

Fume removal
Blast shield

Related items

Laminar flow cabinet

A fume hood or fume cupboard/closet is a type of local ventilation device that is designed to limit
exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes, vapors or dusts. A fume hood is typically a large piece of
equipment enclosing five sides of a work area, the bottom of which is most commonly located at a
standing work height.
Two main types exist, ducted and recirculating (ductless). The principle is the same for both types:
air is drawn in from the front (open) side of the cabinet, and either expelled outside the building or
made safe through filtration and fed back into the room. This is used to

protect the user from inhaling toxic gases (fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, glove boxes);

protect the product or experiment (biosafety cabinets, glove boxes);

protect the environment (recirculating fume hoods, certain biosafety cabinets, and any other
type when fitted with appropriate filters in the exhaust airstream).

Secondary functions of these devices may include explosion protection, spill containment, and other
functions necessary to the work being done within the device.
Contents
[hide]

1History and design

2Fume hood liners

3Control panels

4Types
o

4.1Ducted fume hoods

4.2Auxiliary air

4.3Constant air volume (CAV) ducted hoods

4.3.1Non-bypass CAV ducted hoods

4.3.2Bypass CAV ducted hoods

4.3.2.1Low flow/high performance bypass CAV ducted hoods

4.4Reduced air volume (RAV) ducted hoods

4.5Variable air volume (VAV) ducted hoods

4.6Canopy fume hoods

5Ductless (recirculating) fume hoods

6Specialty hood types

o

6.1Acid digestion hood

6.2Downflow fume hoods

6.3Perchloric acid hood

6.4Radioisotope hood

6.5Scrubber

6.6Waterwash

7Energy consumption

8Behavioral programs to reduce fume hood energy use

9Calculating fume hood energy consumption

10Maintenance

11See also

12References

13External links

History and design[edit]

The need for ventilation has been apparent from early days of chemical research and education.
Some early approaches to the problem were adaptations of the conventionalchimney.[1] A hearth
constructed by Thomas Jefferson in 1822-1826 at the University of Virginia was equipped with
a sand bath and special flues to vent toxic gasses.[2] The draft of a chimney was also used
by Thomas Edison as what has been called the "first fume hood".[3] The first known modern "fume
cupboard" design with rising sashes was introduced at the University of Leeds in 1923.[4] Modern
fume hoods are distinguished by methods of regulating air flow independently of combustion,
improving efficiency and potentially removing volatile chemicals from exposure to flame.
Fume hoods were originally manufactured from timber, but during the seventies and eighties epoxy
powder coated steel became the norm. During the nineties wood pulp derivatives treated with
phenolic resin (plastic laminates and solid grade laminates) for chemical resistance and flame
spread retardency started to become widely accepted. Fume hoods (fume cupboards) are generally
available in 5 different widths; 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm, 1800 mm and 2000 mm.[5] The depth
varies between 700 mm and 900 mm, and the height between 1900 mm and 2700 mm. These can
accommodate from one to three operators. Fume hoods are generally set back against the walls and
are often fitted with infills above, to cover up the exhaust ductwork. Because of their shape they are
generally dim inside, so many have internal lights with vapor-proof covers. The front is a sash
window, usually in glass, able to move up and down on a counterbalance mechanism. On
educational versions, the sides of the unit are often also glass, so that several pupils can look into a
fume hood at once. Low air flow alarm control panels are common, see below.

Fume hood liners[edit]

Fiberglas Reinforced Polyester (FRP)

Epoxy Resin

Square Corner Stainless Steel

Coved Corner Stainless Steel for Radio Chem applications.

Phenolic Resin for most general applications.

Cement Board

Control panels[edit]
Most fume hoods are fitted with a mains-powered control panel. Typically, they perform one or more
of the following functions:

Warn of low air flow.

Warn of too large an opening at the front of the unit. Known as a "high sash" alarm, this is
caused by the sliding glass at the front of the unit being raised higher than is considered safe,
due to the resulting air velocity drop.

Provide a method of switching the exhaust fan on or off.

Provide a method of turning the internal light on or off.

Specific extra functions can be added, for example, a switch to turn a waterwash system on or off.

Types[edit]
Ducted fume hoods[edit]

A common ducted fume hood

Most fume hoods for industrial purposes are ducted. A large variety of ducted fume hoods exist. In
most designs, conditioned (i.e. heated or cooled) air is drawn from the lab space into the fume hood
and then dispersed via ducts into the atmosphere.

The fume hood is only one piece of the lab ventilation system. As the recirculation of lab air to the
rest of the facility is not permitted, air handling units serving the non-laboratory areas are kept
segregated from the laboratory units. As a means of improving indoor air quality, some laboratories
also utilize single-pass air handling systems, where air that is heated or cooled is used only once
prior to discharge. Many laboratories continue to utilize return air systems to the laboratory areas to
minimize energy and running costs, while still providing adequate ventilation rates for acceptable
working conditions. The fume hoods serve to evacuate hazardous levels of contaminant.
To reduce lab ventilation costs, variable air volume (VAV) systems are employed, which reduce the
volume of the air exhausted as the fume hood sash is closed. This product is often enhanced by an
automatic sash closing device, which will close the fume hood sash when the user leaves the fume
hood face. The result is that the hoods are operating at the minimum exhaust volume whenever no
one is actually working in front of them.
Since the typical fume hood in US climates uses 3.5-times as much energy as a home, [6] the
reduction or minimization of exhaust volume is particularly beneficial in reducing facility energy costs
as well as minimizing the impact on the facility infrastructure and the environment. Particular
attention must be paid to the discharge location, so as not to risk public safety, or to pull the exhaust
air back into the building supply air system.

Auxiliary air[edit]
This method is outdated technology. The premise was to bring non-conditioned outside air directly in
front of the hood so that this was the air exhausted to the outside. This method does not work well
when the climate changes as it pours frigid or hot and humid air over the user making it very
uncomfortable to work or affecting the procedure inside the hood. This system also uses additional
ductwork which can be costly.

Constant air volume (CAV) ducted hoods[edit]

In a survey of 247 lab professionals conducted in 2010, Lab Manager Magazine found that
approximately 43% of fume hoods are conventional CAV fume hoods.[7]
Non-bypass CAV ducted hoods[edit]
Closing the sash on a non-bybass CAV hood will increase face velocity (pull"), which is a function of
the total volume divided by the area of the sash opening. Thus, a conventional hoods performance
(from a safety perspective) depends primarily on sash position, with safety increasing as the hood is
drawn closed.[8] To address this issue, many conventional CAV hoods specify a maximum height that
the fume hood can be open in order to maintain safe airflow levels.
A major drawback of conventional CAV hoods is that when the sash is closed, velocities can
increase to the point where they disturb instrumentation and delicate apparatuses, cool hot plates,
slow reactions, and/or create turbulence that can force contaminants into the room. [9]
Bypass CAV ducted hoods[edit]
Bypass CAV hoods (which are sometimes also referred to as conventional hoods) were developed
to overcome the high velocity issues that affect conventional fume hoods. These hood allows air to
be pulled through a "bypass" opening from above as the sash closes. The bypass is located so that
as the user closes the sash, the bypass opening gets larger. The air going through the hood
maintains a constant volume no matter where the sash is positioned and without changing fan
speeds. As a result, the energy consumed by CAV fume hoods (or rather, the energy consumed by
the building HVAC system and the energy consumed by the hood's exhaust fan) remains constant,
or near constant, regardless of sash position.[10]
Low flow/high performance bypass CAV ducted hoods[edit]

"High-performance" or "low-flow" bypass CAV hoods are the newest type of bypass CAV hoods and
typically display improved containment, safety, and energy conservation features. Low-flow/high
performance CAV hoods generally have one or more of the following features: sash stops or
horizontal-sliding sashes to limit the openings; sash position and airflow sensors that can control
mechanical baffles; small fans to create an air-curtain barrier in the operators breathing zone;
refined aerodynamic designs and variable dual-baffle systems to maintain laminar (undisturbed,
nonturbulent) flow through the hood. Although the initial cost of a high-performance hood is typically
more than that of a conventional bypass hood, the improved containment and flow characteristics
allow these hoods to operate at a face velocity as low as 60 fpm, which can translate into $2,000 per
year or more in energy savings, depending on hood size and sash settings. [11]

Reduced air volume (RAV) ducted hoods[edit]

Reduced air volume hoods (a variation of low-flow/high performance hoods) incorporate a bypass
block to partially close off the bypass, reducing the air volume and thus conserving energy. Usually,
the block is combined with a sash stop to limit the height of the sash opening, ensuring a safe face
velocity during normal operation while lowering the hoods air volume. By reducing the air volume,
the RAV hood can operate with a smaller blower, which is another cost-saving advantage.
Since RAV hoods have restricted sash movement and reduced air volume, these hoods are less
flexible in what they can be used for and can only be used for certain tasks. Another drawback to
RAV hoods is that users can in theory override or disengage the sash stop. If this occurs, the face
velocity could drop to an unsafe level. To counter this condition, operators must be trained never to
override the sash stop while in use, and only to do so when loading or cleaning the hood. [12]

Variable air volume (VAV) ducted hoods[edit]

VAV hoods, the newest generations of laboratory fume hoods, vary the volume of room air
exhausted while maintaining the face velocity at a set level. Different VAV hoods change the exhaust
volume using different methods, such as a damper or valve in the exhaust duct that opens and
closes based on sash position, or a blower that changes speed to meet air-volume demands. Most
VAV hoods integrate a modified bypass-block system that ensures adequate airflow at all sash
positions. VAV hoods are connected electronically to the laboratory buildings HVAC, so hood
exhaust and room supply are balanced. In addition, VAV hoods feature monitors and/or alarms that
warn the operator of unsafe hood-airflow conditions.
Although VAV hoods are much more complex than traditional constant-volume hoods, and
correspondingly have higher initial costs, they can provide considerable energy savings by reducing
the total volume of conditioned air exhausted from the laboratory. Since most hoods are operated
the entire time a laboratory is open, this can quickly add up to significant cost savings. This savings
are, however, completely contingent on user behavior: the less the hoods are open (both in terms of
height and in terms of time), the greater the energy savings. For example, if the laboratory's
ventilation system uses 100% once-through outside air and the value of conditioned air is assumed
to be $7 per CFM per year (this value would increase with very hot, cold or humid climates), a 6-foot
VAV fume hood at full open for experiment set up 10% of the time (2.4 hours per day), at 18 inch
working opening 25% of the time (6 hours per day), and completely closed 65% of the time (15.6
hours per day) would save approximately $6,000 every year compared to a hood that is fully open
100% of the time.[13][14]
Potential behavioral savings from VAV fume hoods are highest when fume hood density (number of
fume hoods per square foot of lab space) is high. This is because fume hoods contribute to the
achievement of lab spaces' required air exchange rates. Put another way, savings from closing fume
hoods can only be achieved when fume hood exhaust rates are greater than the air exchange rate
needed to achieve the required ventilation rate in the lab room. For example, if you have a lab room
with a required air exchange rate of 2000 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and that room has just one
fume hood, which vents air at a rate of 1000 square feet per minute, closing the sash on the fume

hood will simply cause the lab room's air handler to increase from 1000 CFM to 2000 CFM, thus
resulting in no net reduction in air exhaust rates, and thus no net reduction in energy consumption. [15]
In a survey of 247 lab professionals conducted in 2010, Lab Manager Magazine found that
approximately 12% of fume hoods are VAV fume hoods.[16]

Canopy fume hoods[edit]

Canopy fume hoods, also called exhaust canopies, are similar to the range hoods found over stoves
in commercial and some residential kitchens. They have only a canopy (and no enclosure and no
sash) and are designed for venting non-toxic materials such as non-toxic smoke, steam, heat, and
odors. In a survey of 247 lab professionals conducted in 2010, Lab Manager Magazine found that
approximately 13% of fume hoods are ducted canopy fume hoods.[17]
Pros

Cons

Fumes are completely eradicated from the workplace.

Additional ductwork.

Low maintenance.

Temperature controlled air is removed from the

workplace.

Quiet operation, due to the extract fan being some

distance from the operator.

Fumes are dispersed into the atmosphere, rather

than being treated.

Ductless (recirculating) fume hoods[edit]

Mainly for educational or testing use, these units generally have a fan mounted on the top (soffit) of
the hood, or beneath the worktop. Air is sucked through the front opening of the hood and through a
filter, before passing through the fan and being fed back into the workplace. With a ductless fume
hood it is essential that the filter medium be able to remove the particular hazardous or noxious
material being used. As different filters are required for different materials, recirculating fume hoods
should only be used when the hazard is well known and does not change.
Air filtration of ductless fume hoods is typically broken into two segments:

Pre-filtration: This is the first stage of filtration, and consists of a physical barrier, typically
open cell foam, which prevents large particles from passing through. Filters of this type are
generally inexpensive, and last for approximately six months depending on usage.

Main filtration: After pre-filtration, the fumes are sucked through a layer of activated
charcoal which absorbs the majority of chemicals that pass through it. Ammonia andcarbon
monoxide will, however, pass through most carbon filters. Additional specific filtration techniques
can be added to combat chemicals that would otherwise be pumped back into the room. A main
filter will generally last for approximately two years, dependent on usage.

Ductless fume hoods are often not appropriate for research applications where the activity, and the
materials used or generated, may change or be unknown. As a result of this and other drawbacks,
some research organizations, including the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, [18] Columbia

University,[19] Princeton University,[20] the University of New Hampshire,[21] and the University of
Colorado, Boulder[22] either discourage or prohibit the use of ductless fume hoods.
A benefit of ductless fume hoods is that they are mobile, easy to install since they require no
ductwork, and can be plugged into a 110 volt or 220 volt outlet.
In a survey of 247 lab professionals conducted in 2010, Lab Manager Magazine found that
approximately 22% of fume hoods are ductless fume hoods.[23]
Pros

Cons

Ductwork not required.

Filters must be regularly maintained and replaced.

Temperature controlled air is not removed from the

workplace.

Greater risk of chemical exposure than with ducted

equivalents.

Contaminated air is not pumped into the atmosphere.

The extract fan is near the operator, so noise may be

an issue.

Specialty hood types[edit]

Acid digestion hood[edit]
These units are typically constructed of polypropylene in order to resist the corrosive effects of acids
at high concentrations. If hydrofluoric acid is being used in the hood, the hood's glass sash should
be constructed of polycarbonate which resists etching. Hood ductwork should be lined with
polypropylene or coated with PTFE (Teflon).

Downflow fume hoods[edit]

Downflow fume hoods, also called downflow work stations, are typically ductless fume hoods
designed to protect the user and the environment from hazardous vapors generated on the work
surface. A downward air flow is generated and hazardous vapors are collected through slits in the
work surface.

Perchloric acid hood[edit]

These units feature a waterwash system in the ductwork. Because perchloric acid fumes settle, and
form explosive crystals, it is vital that the ductwork is cleaned internally with a series of sprays.

Radioisotope hood[edit]
This fume hood is made with a coved stainless steel liner and coved integral stainless steel
countertop that is reinforced to handle the weight of lead bricks or blocks.

Scrubber[edit]
This type of fume hood absorbs the fumes through a chamber filled with plastic shapes, which are
doused with water. The chemicals are washed into a sump, which is often filled with a neutralizing
liquid. The fumes are then dispersed, or disposed of, in the conventional manner.

Waterwash[edit]

These fume hoods have an internal wash system that cleans the interior of the unit, to prevent a
build-up of dangerous chemicals.

Energy consumption[edit]
Because fume hoods constantly remove very large volumes of conditioned (heated or cooled) air
from lab spaces, they are responsible for the consumption of large amounts of energy. Key statistics
laid out in a 2006 article by Evan Mills et al.:[24]

For standard two-meter (six-foot) hoods, per-hood energy costs range from $4,600/year for
moderate climates such as Los Angeles, USA to $9,300/year for extreme cooling climates such
as Singapore.

With an estimated 750,000 hoods in use in the U.S., the aggregate energy use and savings
potential is significant. Mills et al. estimate the annual operating cost of U.S. fume hoods at
approximately $4.2 billion, with a corresponding peak electrical demand of 5,100 megawatts.

As a result, fume hoods are a major factor in making typical laboratories four to five times
more energy intensive than typical commercial buildings. [25]

With emerging technologies, per-hood savings of 50 percent to 75 percent can be safely and
cost-effectively achieved while addressing the limitations of existing strategies.

The bulk of the energy that fume hoods are responsible for is the energy needed to heat and/or cool
air delivered to the lab space. Depending on the type of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning) system installed, this energy can be electricity, natural gas, heating oil, coal, or other
energy types. Additional electricity is consumed by fans in the HVAC system and fans in the fume
hood exhaust system.[26]

Behavioral programs to reduce fume hood energy use[edit]

A number of colleges, universities, and other research institutions run or have run programs to
encourage lab users to reduce fume hood energy consumption by keeping VAV sashes closed as
much as possible. These programs typically use social marketing tactics such as placing stickers or
magnets on VAV fume hoods to prompt users to keep them closed, providing feedback to lab users
on the amount of energy consumed by fume hoods, and running competitions in which labs compete
to see which building or lab can achieve the largest percent reduction in fume hood height or energy
consumption. Organizations that have run behavior programs to reduce fume hood energy use
include

Harvard University:[27] A "Shut the sash" campaign in the Chemistry & Chemical Biology
(CCB) Department resulted in a sustained ~30 percent reduction in fume hood exhaust rates as
a result of increased attentiveness to fume hood sash height. The total pre-campaign exhaust
from the 150 VAV fume hoods monitored was 85,000 cubic feet/minute (CFM), and the postcampaign average 59,000 CFM. This translated into cost savings of approximately $180,000 per
year, and a greenhouse gas emission reduction of 300 MTCDE (metric tons carbon dioxide
equivalent). The campaign included a number of components:

Competition: A competition in which labs competed against each other to reduce their
fume hood energy use the most

Prompts: Placement of Shut the Sash magnets on each fume hood as a

prompt/reminder
Communication: General outreach through posters, flyers, and emails

Goal Setting: Monthly goals were set for each lab. These goals were re-evaluated as
research groups size changes and as their work changes to more or less hood-intensive
research.

Incentives: Labs that achieved their monthly goal were entered into a monthly raffle
in which they could win movie passes or a beer & pizza party. Labs that met their monthly
goal at least 4 of the most recent 6 months were invited to highly popular bi-annual wine &
cheese parties.

Feedback: Real time meters at the exit to most labs allow users to quickly check
whether all the hoods are closed each evening if they are the last one to leave the lab.
Feedback on performance is distributed twice a month once to let lab users know if they
are on track for their goal, and the other time to let them know who won the raffle that
month.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology:[28]

Air volume through all VAV hoods in the department is modulated by a Venturi-type
air valve by Phoenix Controls. A nominal face velocity of 100 ft/min is maintained. Data from
sash position sensors on each fume hood are sent to a central processor that controls
laboratory-scale and building-level exhaust. Software automatically collects and redistributes
the 15 minutes average sash position by laboratory from this central database

The rst fume hood behavior intervention in the MIT Chemistry Department occurred
mid-November 2006, when the Chemistry Departments EHS Coordinator reinforced the
importance of closing fume hood sashes at the regularly scheduled EHS laboratory
representative meeting. The presentation covered the reasons for shutting the sash (cost
savings, benet to the environment, personal safety), a description of how fume hoods work
and how energy is consumed, the dangers of improper fume hood use, and the magnitude
of the potential energy savings (up to $400/inch of hood opening per year in the widest
hoods in the Chemistry Department (and $80/in/year for the hoods in Building 18).
Representatives were encouraged to respond after the presentation and after discussion
with their labs. This message was reinforced by an e-mail from the department head to the
faculty with the goal of ensuring the entire department was familiar with the program. The
shut-the-sash message was subsequently integrated into the Chemistry Departments EHS
training sessions that are required for all new graduate students.

The second intervention was the release of fume hood use data to the faculty
principal investigator in charge of each lab. The rst datasets were distributed by the
department EHS coordinator to the Chemistry faculty in early August 2007. These data were
then distributed to other members of the lab at the faculty PIs discretion.

Findings: Average sash height was lowered by 26 percent (from 16.3 +- 0.85 percent
open to 12.1 +- 0.39 percent open) throughout the department, saving an estimated
$41,000/year. Sash position during inactive periods was lowered from 9 to 6 percent open.

Half of all department savings occurred in four (of 25) labs. Energy savings are substantially
less than original expectations because most installed fume hoods use combination sashes.
Labs with vertical sashes use the most energy, and see the most savings from the
intervention.

North Carolina State University [29] - During sash closing campaigns conducted at the
beginning of each semester, Energy Management and Environmental Health and Safety conduct
campus presentations highlighting the Universitys responsibility to conserve energy and provide
safe working conditions with the goal of educating scientists and research assistants on proper
lab protocol and ways to reduce their carbon footprints. Sash opening labels have been placed
on all fume hoods on campus to serve as constant reminders for all lab users. In addition to
these campaigns, periodic surveys are conducted to inventory which labs are practicing correct
lab safety procedures. These surveys also highlight buildings with high energy consumption
where further monitoring or outreach is needed.

University of British Columbia[30][31] UBC held their first fume hood competition in 2012.
Over the course of the six weeks competition, an 85 per cent reduction in fume hood energy
consumption was achieved. Six labs were recognized for exemplary fume hood practices at a
wrap-up event attended by 130 researchers, with first place groups receiving $500 and second
place groups receiving $250. All winning groups also received a commemorative sash (pun
intended).

University of California, Berkeley[32] UC Berkeley's Shut the Sash Fume Hood Campaign
educates lab researchers to close the sashes on fume hoods when they are not in use to reduce
energy consumption and improve air quality. As of May 2011, the program targets Tan Hall and
uses stickers, flyers, and emails to disseminate information. It also involves a competition to see
which lab can Shut the Sash most consistently.

University of California, Davis:[33] In summer 2009, about 600 vinyl stickers were installed
on the exterior sidewall of fume hoods in ten buildings at UC Davis. The sticker uses a traffic
light color scheme, with a red zone above 18 inches, and a large arrow pointing down with the
words, More Safe, Less Energy changing from yellow at the midpoint to green at the bottom
when the sash is closed completely. Visual surveys of sash-position status were conducted
before sticker deployment, about 2 months after sticker installations, and again in spring, 2011,
to assess persistence. The survey method estimated sash status by benchmarks in approximate
quartiles to streamline the survey effort. This also helped capture information on VAV-system
response. These benchmarks were incorporated into energy savings calculations. Sash
positions were averaged by floors at each sample time. Survey results showed 90-100%
compliance 22 months after installation with no additional reinforcement of closure. Given a per
hood sticker installation cost of $5 and a conditioned air cost of $7/CFM/year, the simple
payback of the project was estimated to be 15 hours, and the return on investment (ROI) was
estimated to be 599%.

University of California, Irvine:[34] In order to get the fume hoods sashes closed, UC Irvine's
PowerSave Campus Program uses a three-pronged approach. The first method is direct
education, in which teaching assistants (TAs) are asked to encourage their students to close the
hoods before leaving the labs. The second approach is placing point-of-decision reminder
stickers on the hoods themselves, explaining that a closed fume hood saves up to 50,000 lbs of
CO2 a year. The third method is an incentive-based competition among three buildings that
contain fume hoods. During the three-week competition, volunteers periodically audit the
buildings fume hoods, noting the total number of inches each fume hood has been left open.
The building with the fewest total number of inches at the end of the competition wins a catered

luncheon for its professors and lab users, and an energy-efficiency certificate provided by the
Green Campus Program. In 2007, the Fume Hood Use campaign won an award for Best
Practices in Student Energy Efficiency, at the sixth annual Sustainability Conference at UCSanta Barbara, beating all other PowerSave Campus Programs in the UC system. The
PowerSave Campus team estimates that the Fume Hood Use campaign saves over 80,000 lbs
of CO2 and $13,000 every quarter.

University of California, Los Angeles:[35][36][37] As its first initiative, UCLA EH&S's Laboratory
Energy Efficiency Program (LEEP) jointly sponsored a competition with the Alliance to Save
Energy's PowerSave Campus Program to encourage reduced fume hood sash heights in
research laboratories. The first fume hood competition took place in the Molecular Sciences
Building (MSB) during Fall 2008 and included about 230 fume hoods. Overall, the competition
saw a 40% sash height decrease from 13.4 to 8 (as shown by competition behavior and the
long-term followup). In order to identify the lasting, long-term behavior change, LEEP and UCLA
PowerSave Campus conducted follow-up audits each month after the competition. Sash heights
were measured throughout one week, using the same method for recording baseline
measurements. The follow-up data showed that MSBs new average sash height was 7.8a
5.6 decrease from baseline measurements. Ultimately, this 40% reduction translates into an
annual estimated savings of 1,415,278 lbs of CO2 emissions and $149,730. Several additional
competitions have been held following the success of this original one.

University of California, Riverside:[38] Make posters & stickers available for download on
their website.

University of California, San Diego:[39][40] The UC San Diego Annual Shut the Sash
Competition is a 5-week campaign sponsored by the PowerSave Campus Program, Facilities
Management, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Biology Department. The first competition
began in January 2009 and, as of October 2012, has happened every year since. The campaign
involves 11 labs in a challenge to reduce their energy consumption and improve air quality by
closing the sashes on fume hoods when not in use. The Shut the Sash competition helps
promote energy savings by challenging laboratories to save more energy than other laboratories
from a set baseline. The Shut the Sash Competition educated researchers, raised awareness of
lab energy efficiency and showed real savings in energy use and cost. On average, there was a
27 percent reduction in sash heights over a five-week period in 2009. The Shut the Sash
competition and awareness campaign also saves 21,734 kWh/year or $1695.25 annually,
assuming sash heights stay at a similar level.

University of California, Santa Barbara:[41] In summer 2009, about 200 vinyl were installed
on the exterior sidewall of fume hoods in seven buildings at UC Santa Barbara. The sticker uses
a traffic light color scheme, with a red zone above 18 inches, and a large arrow pointing down
with the words, More Safe, Less Energy changing from yellow at the midpoint to green at the
bottom when the sash is closed completely. Surveys were conducted by collecting real-time
sash position data provided by the campus building monitoring system (BMS). Data were
collected for 10-day periods prior to sticker installation for select fume hoods, and one, two, and
three months following sticker installation. The average sash height for each hood was
calculated for each 10-day period. In the Engineering Science Building, average sash opening
was ~15 inches prior to sticker installation, ~6.5 inches 3 months after sticker installation, and
~9.5 inches 23 months after sticker installation. In the California NansoSystems Institute
building, average sash opening was ~7.5 inches prior to sticker installation, ~6 inches 3 months
after sticker installation, and ~5 inches 23 months after sticker installation.

University of Central Florida:[42] Have placed reminder stickers on fume hoods.

University of Colorado, Boulder:[43] Using stickers and educational posters to reminder

users of VAV fume hoods to keep them closed

University of Toronto[44] The University of Toronto ran their first fume hood sash closing
campaign from October 2008 until March 2009. The campaign included workshops, posters, a
website, and individual and group competitions. Before the campaign, sashes were regularly left
in the same position whether the hoods were in use or not (around 11 inches). During the
campaign, sash heights of unused hoods dropped to just under 4 inches on average, resulting in
estimated annual savings of at least 49,000 kWh of electricity, 770 mmBTU of heating energy
and 51 tonnes of greenhouse gases and as much as 240,000 kWh, 3800 mmBTU of heating
energy and 260 tonnes of greenhouse gases. The changes also resulted in between $20,000
and $100,000 in energy cost savings annually. When the campaign organizers inspected sash
heights 7 months after the conclusion of the campaign, they found that users had largely
reverted to pre-campaign habits.

Calculating fume hood energy consumption[edit]

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab has developed a Laboratory Fume Hood Energy Model that
estimates annual fume hood energy use and costs for user-specified climates and assumptions
about operation and equipment efficiencies.

Maintenance[edit]
Fume hood maintenance can involve daily, periodic, and annual inspections.

Daily fume hood inspection

The fume hood area is visually inspected for storage of material and other visible
blockages.

If hood function indicating devices are not a part of the fume hood, a 1-inch (25 mm)
by 6-inch (150 mm) piece of soft tissue paper should be placed at the hood opening and
observed for appropriate directional flow into the hood.

Periodic fume hood function inspection

Capture or face velocity is typically measured with a velometer or anemometer.

Hoods for most common chemicals must have an average face velocity of 100 feet (30 m)
per minute at sash opening of 18 inches (460 mm) or higher. Face velocity readings should
not vary by more than 20%. A minimum of six readings shall be used determine average
face velocity.

Other local exhaust devices shall be smoke tested to determine if the contaminants
they are designed to remove are being adequately captured by the hood.
Annual maintenance**

Exhaust fan maintenance, (i.e.,lubrication, belt tension, fan blade deterioration and rpm), shall be in
accordance with the manufacturers recommendation or as adjusted for appropriate hood function.

CAV, RAV & VAV

Since exhaust hoods are among the major expense items for research laboratories and have a
huge impact on continuing operational costs, weve decided to provide you with information on
some of the newer hood designs that offer good performance and energy conservation.
By Vince McLeod , Glenn Ketcham | October 07, 2009

Chemical Fume Hood Design Pros and Cons

A while back, in response to a readers question regarding storage inside the exhaust cabinet, we wrote about the
fundamentals of chemical fume hoods. In that article, we discussed the basic design principles and operation of
chemical fume hoods. (If your memory is like ours and needs refreshing or you require another copy, just let us
know.)
Since exhaust hoods are among the major expense items for research laboratories and have a huge impact on
continuing operational costs, weve decided to provide you with information on some of the newer hood designs that
offer good performance and energy conservation.
Laboratory exhaust systems fall into three main classes: chemical fume hoods, for working with corrosive acids and
bases, volatile solvents, and other hazardous chemicals; biological safety hoods, which can be designed to protect
the work (clean-air bench) or the worker (true biosafety cabinet); and standard exhaust hoods, typically used in
mechanical or machine shops and their production areas. We are going to limit this discussion to the first category,
the chemical fume hood, since this is the cornerstone of most research laboratories.
Laboratory fume hoods are designed to protect the worker by containing and exhausting harmful or toxic fumes,
gases, or vapors emitted by chemicals used in the hood. A typical fume hood has an exhaust blower mounted so that
air from the room is pulled into and through the hood, creating directional airflow. The pull at the hood opening is
termed face velocity and usually is measured in feet per minute (fpm).
Proper face velocity of the hood is critical to the protection of the worker. Too little flow allows currents or disturbances
in the laboratory air to overpower the hood and draw contaminants into the room. Too much flow can result in
turbulence and eddies that also can lead to contaminants escaping the hood. Baffles and other aerodynamically
designed components determine how air moves into and through the hood. Contaminants inside the hood are diluted
with room air and exhausted to the outside via the hoods duct system, where they are dispersed.
The volume of air exhausted by the hood depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are hood size
and design. With the average chemical fume hood exhausting around 750 to 1,000 cubic feet per minute of
conditioned air, you can see how hoods put a large load on the laboratorys heating, ventilating and air-conditioning
(HVAC) system, thus impacting operational costs. Lets look at some of the different chemical fume hood designs
available, along with their pros and cons.
Constant air volume (CAV)

There are two basic types of laboratory fume hoods: conventional and bypass. Conventional hoods consist of a basic
enclosure with a movable sash (or window). Since the face velocity, or pull, is a function of the total volume divided
by the area of the sash opening, closing the sash on a conventional CAV hood will increase the face velocity. The
conventional hoods performance depends primarily on sash position.
However, as the sash is closed, velocities can increase to the point where they disturb instrumentation and delicate
apparatuses, cool hot plates and slow reactions, or create turbulence that can force contaminants into the room.
Bypass hoods contain openings above the sash, in addition to an airfoil sill that will redirect the airflow as the sash is
closed. The bypass openings reduce changes in face velocity to a narrow range by keeping the area for airflow equal
(within the limits of the bypass) as the sash is moved up or down. Therefore, face velocities do not reach the
detrimental levels often seen with conventional hoods. For this reason, bypass hoods hold a major share of the
market today.
Recent models of bypass hoods, called high-performance or low-flow hoods, display improved containment and
safety features as well as energysaving designs. These design features vary by manufacturer but generally have one
or more of the following: sash stops or horizontal-sliding sashes to limit the openings; sash position and airflow
sensors that can control mechanical baffles; small fans to create an air-curtain barrier in the operators breathing
zone; and refined aerodynamic designs and variable dual-baffle systems to maintain laminar (undisturbed,
nonturbulent) flow through the hood. Although the initial cost of a high-performance hood is slightly more than that of
a conventional bypass hood, the improved containment and flow characteristics allow these hoods to operate at a
face velocity as low as 60 fpm, which can translate into $2,000 per year or more in energy savings, depending on
hood size and sash settings.1
Reduced air volume (RAV)
In laboratory settings where the tasks may be very specific and unchanging, the reduced air volume hood (a variation
of the low-flow hood) is an option to consider. This design incorporates a bypass block to partially close off the
bypass, reducing the air volume and thus conserving energy. Usually, the block is combined with a sash stop to limit
the height of the sash opening, ensuring a safe face velocity during normal operation while lowering the hoods air
volume. By reducing the air volume, the RAV hood can operate with a smaller blower, which is another costsaving
advantage.
One downside to the RAV hood is that its restricted sash movement and reduced air volume also constrain its
flexibility and narrow the realm of tasks that can be performed. Another major caution to note is the potential to
override or disengage the sash stop. If this occurs, the face velocity could drop to an unsafe level. To counter this
condition, operators must be trained never to override the sash stop while in use, and only to do so when loading or
cleaning the hood. In addition, an airflow monitor is always recommended.
Variable air volume (VAV)
The newest generations of laboratory fume hoods vary the volume of room air exhausted while maintaining the face
velocity at a predetermined level. Variable air volume hoods change the exhaust volume using different methods,
such as a damper or valve in the exhaust duct that opens and closes based on sash position, or a blower that
changes speed to meet air-volume demands. Most VAV hoods integrate a modified bypass-block system that
ensures adequate airflow at all sash positions. They are connected electronically to the laboratory buildings HVAC,

so hood exhaust and room supply are balanced. In addition, VAV hoods feature monitors and/or alarms that warn the
operator of unsafe hood-airflow conditions.
Although VAV hoods are much more complex than traditional constant-volume hoods, and correspondingly have
higher initial costs, they can provide considerable energy savings by reducing the total volume of conditioned air
exhausted from the laboratory. Since most hoods are operated the entire time a laboratory is open, this can quickly
add up to significant cost savings.
1. How to Select the Right Laboratory Hood System, Labconco Corp., Kansas City, Mo., 2003.
Chemical Fume Hood Handbook, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill. Last revision, May 2007. http://www.research.
northwestern.edu/research/ors/labsafe/hoods/index.htm
National Research Council Recommendations Concerning Chemical Hygiene in Laboratories, U.S. Department of
Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC.
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_ document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10107
Categories: Lab Health and Safety
Tags: Fume Hoods, Biological Safety Cabinets, Clean Rooms, Product Resource: Resources

Purchasing the correct fume hood for your laboratory is a very important, long-term decision and your choice in lab
ventilation systems will affect future lab planning, flexibility and safety. The Lab Manager Fume Hood Product
Finderenables you to quickly and easly compare the newest fume hood models and request information and pricing
from leading manufacturers. If you are in the market for a new fume hood, simply answer the questions below to
begin your search for the laboratory fume hood that best suits your needs.

Laboratory Fume Hoods

Laboratory fume hoods serve to control exposure to toxic, offensive or
flammable vapors, gases and aerosols. Fume hoods are the primary method of
exposure control in the laboratory. The laboratory fume hood is a type of local
exhaust ventilation system (engineering control). A typical fume hood is a
cabinet with a moveable front sash (window) made out of safety glass. A
properly used and properly functioning fume hood exhausts hazardous gases,
dusts, mists, and vapors from a confined location and helps protect workers
from inhalation exposure.

Fume Hoods

Cole-Parmer offers a wide variety of fume hoods for every laboratory application including
general purpose hoods, vented enclosures, ducted fume hoods, biosafety and PCR enclosures,
and extractor systems. Choose from many trusted names including Labconco, Erlab, and Hemco.
Need assistance in choosing the right fume hood for your needs? Contact our Application
Specialists for further assistance.
Types of Fume Hoods

Balance Enclosures provide user protection by keeping powders, particulates and fumes
contained during weighing procedures. Balance Enclosures may be ducted to the outside or
connected to a HEPA and/or carbon filtered exhaust back into the laboratory.
Ductless Fume Hoods are enclosures that pass contaminated air through a filter(s) before
returning air to the room. Use for locations where outside ventilation can not be achieved. Can
eliminate very high percentages of particulates and biological hazards. Select airborne chemical
levels can be reduced to safe levels as verified with monitoring protocols.
Ducted Fume Hoods have ventilation to outside provides the most rigorous user protection,
particularly for chemically dangerous fumes. Many employ "by-pass" designs, which enable
consistent airflows in the enclosure for various sash positions. Low airflow designs provide user
protection while minimizing energy costs.
Biological Safety Cabinets provide effective containment for working with human pathogens.
BSC cabinets have three classes as sedignated by the National Sanitation FoundationClass I, II,
and III, with some sub class levels.
BSC Class I have an un-recirculated airflow away from the lab worker that, after going through
a HEPA filter, is vented into the room. They provide the lab worker medium protection but do
not protect the samples in the bacinet from contamination.
BCS Class II should be used if a lab worker is using microorganisms in containment levels 2,
3,bs. These cabinets are divided into two typesA and B, determined by construction, airflow
velocities, patterns, and exhaust systems. They protect the lab worker, samples, and the external
environment.

BCS Class III have both HEPA filtered supply and exhaust air and are totally gas tight and
enclosed. Tests are performed while using long sleeved gloves. The cabinet is under negative
pressure of at least 120 Pa while the exterior exhaust system maintains airflow. This protects the
lab worker, samples, and the external environment.
PCR Enclosures are designed specifically to privide a Class 5 work space for PCR experiments
by moving HEPA filtered air downward. PCR enclosures are unique in that they have a UV light
that eliminates DNA and RNA contaminates
Extractor Systems provide localized ventilation at the contaminant source. Extractor arms can
be easily positioned to remove fumes or air-borne particulates. Often used when the fume source
can not be readily moved to a conventional hood or when fumes are innocuous, e.g. bad-smelling
without being chemically dangerous. May vent to outside or recirculate into the room through a
filter.
Don't forget all our fume hood Accessories

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Chemical Fume Hoods Overview

Last Updated: July 9, 2015 6:50:15 AM PDT
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Learn how chemical fume hoods protect lab workers, types of fume hoods, the
limitations, and UCSD's inspection and certification program.

NOTE: All chemical fume hoods must meet the requirements of Title 8, California Code of
Regulations, Section 5154.1.
Expand all

Definition
Cal/OSHA Fume Hood definition:
A device enclosed except for necessary exhaust purposes on three sides and top and
bottom, designed to draw air inward by means of mechanical ventilation, operated with
insertion of only the hands and arms of the user, and used to control exposure to hazardous
substances. These devices are also known as laboratory fume hoods.

Purpose
Chemical fume hoods, when used properly, are one of the most reliable engineering controls in the
laboratory. They protect workers by:

Containing vapors, dusts, gases, and fumes generated within the hood, and removing them
as air flows into the hood and then out via the laboratory exhaust system

Contributing to laboratory ventilation as air flows through the hood

Shielding the worker with a clear sliding window, called a sash, that contains aerosols and
prevents injury from splashes, fires, or minor explosions that may occur inside the hood

Follow Chemical Fume Hood Use Guidelines to ensure safe and effective fume hood operation.

Types
There are 2 kinds of fume hoods in use at UCSD:

Constant air volume hoods

The constant air volume (CAV) fume hood exhausts the same amount of air all the time, regardless
of sash position. As the sash is lowered and raised, the velocity at the face of the hood changes.
EH&S tests all hoods regularly and marks the opening that gives the correct face velocity (see image
at left) on constant air volume hoods.

Variable air volume hoods

Some newer models, called variable air volume (VAV) hoods, modulate air flow based on sash
height and maintain 100 feet per minute face velocity at all sash heights. EH&S tests VAV hoods, but
does not mark the sash height since it's always 100 feet per minute.

VAV fume hoods are equipped with a monitor (see image at right) that
indicates whether the hood is in "standard operation" or "standby operation" mode. The fume hood
monitor also has an "emergency purge" button, which increases airflow through the hood to
maximum and can be used to quickly remove air contaminates from the lab.
VAV fume hoods are equipped with flow sensors that activate an audible alarm when malfunctions
occur. Contact Facilities Management, (858) 534-2930, if your fume hood alarm sounds.

Limitations

Biohazardous materials
Fume hoods are not for use with biohazardous materials.
Use a biological safety cabinet, (BSC), for work with infectious agents. BSCs are designed to protect
the worker and the environment from biological agents, and to protect the research materials from
contamination.

Highly toxic materials

In some cases, for highly toxic materials a glove box or another containment device is preferred over
a chemical fume hood. Contact Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) for guidance on containment
needs.

Ductless fume hoods

Ductless fume hoods are not allowed at UC San Diego as per the UCOP Lab Design Guide, 2007.
Consult the Chemical Hygiene Officer, (858) 822-1579, if you have a unique situation regarding this
restriction.

Certification

UCSD's chemical fume hoods are inspected and tested annually by

EH&S for functionality and condition. A certification sticker is placed on the front of each fume hood
indicating the inspection results (see image at right). Deficiencies are immediately reported to the
Area Safety Coordinator or Facilities Management for abatement.
During certification testing, inspectors do the following:

Check the laboratory room pressure differential (the room pressure must be negative to nonlaboratory space)

Remove old certification stickers

Confirm the sash moves easily

Test both the audio and visual alarms

Confirm the face velocity is within the required specification of 100 linear feet per minute
(lfm)

Check overall fume hood condition

If you suspect your fume hood is not operating properly, contact Environment, Health & Safety, (858)
534-5427.

Learn more
Learn more about basic airflow and operation of a Labconco fume hood, including proper work
procedures and detailed information on the movement of air in and around the hood in this video
from LabconcoCorporation.

Basic Fume Hood Air Flow and Operation (3:18 min.)

Ductless Fume Hoods

AirClean Systems manufactures ductless fume hoods, chemical workstations, and enclosures to protect the

operator from exposure to toxic vapors, gases, fumes, and particulate. AirClean Systems ductless solutions

incorporate a state-of-the-art microprocessor safety controller and revolutionary gas phase bonded-carbon
filtration.
AirClean Systems produces laboratory fume hoods in a wide array of sizes and configurations, allowing you

ultimate flexibility in choosing the level of protection, mobility and work area size. Narrow your hood search by
clicking on one of the categories below:

AC600 Series Workstations

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AirSafe automatic safety controller

Clear 360 degree viewing

Capable with Bonded carbon and/or HEPA filtration

Excellent solution for low volume applications

Polypropylene Fume Hoods

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Thermally fused structural polypropylene for superior chemical resistance

AirSafe automatic safety controller

AirZone baffling system for advanced fume containment

Intergrated solid state gas detection

Folding sash or Safety Glass Sliding Sash models available

Patriot Ductless Fume Hoods

o

Touch screen automatic safety controller

Large capacity filtration bed for variety of application challenges

Integral polypropylene spill tray

Advanced airflow monitoring and controller


Independence Ductless Fume Hoods
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AirSafe Touch Controller with full administrator control

Silconazyne Filtration with Inter-filter monitoring

Multi-method gas detection with PPM read out

Chemical compatibility library for onsite application validation

Free-Standing Enclosures
o

AirSafe automatic safety controller

Full and easy access for equipment loading, maintenance and cleaning

Thermally fused structural polypropylene construction with polycarbonate viewing panels

Large capacity filtration bed for wide variety application challenges

Custom Fume Hoods

o

Operator or Process protection models available

Designed to meet application requirements while adhering to strict regulatory guidelines for
operator safety or process integrity

Ability to fabricate with a variety of construction material based on application challenges

Design incorporated microprocessor safety control, bonded carbon filtration and high
performance blowers and fans for user friendly operation and performance

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UniFlow FM LE fume hood offered in

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UniFlow Auxilia
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UniFlow Perchloric Acid fume hood
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Fume Hoods and Laboratory Ventilation

One of the primary safety devices in a laboratory is a chemical fume hood. A welldesigned hood, when properly installed and maintained, can offer a substantial degree
of protection to the user, provided that it is used appropriately and its limitations are
understood.
This section covers a number of topics aimed at helping laboratory workers understand
the limitations and proper work practices for using fume hoods and other local
ventilation devices safely.
There are basically two types of fume hoods at Baylor University, they are:
Constant volume where the exhaust flowrate or quantity of air pulled through the
hood is constant. Therefore, when the sash is lowered and the cross-sectional area of the
hood opening decreases, the velocity of airflow (face velocity) through the hood
increases proportionally. Thus, higher face velocities can be obtained by lowering the
sash.
And variable air volume (VAV) - where the exhaust flowrate or quantity of air pulled
through the hood varies as the sash is adjust in order to maintain a set face velocity.
Therefore, when the sash is lowered and the cross-sectional area of the hood opening
decreases, the velocity of airflow (face velocity) through the hood stays the same while
less total air volume is exhausted.

How a Fume Hood Works

A fume hood is a ventilated enclosure in which gases, vapors and fumes are contained.
An exhaust fan situated on the top of the laboratory building pulls air and airborne
contaminants in the hood through ductwork connected to the hood and exhausts them
to the atmosphere.

The typical fume hood found in Baylor

University laboratories is equipped with a
movable front sashand an interior baffle.
Depending on its design, the sash may move
vertically, horizontally or a combination of the
two and provides some protection to the hood
user by acting as a barrier between the worker
and the experiment.
The slots and baffles direct the air being
exhausted. In many hoods, they may be adjusted to allow the most even flow. It is
important that the baffles are not closed or blocked since this blocks the exhaust path.
The airfoil or beveled frame around the hood face allows more even airflow into the
hood by avoiding sharp curves that can create turbulence.
In most hood installations, the exhaust flowrate or quantity of air pulled through the
hood is constant. Therefore, when the sash is lowered and the cross-sectional area of the
hood opening decreases, the velocity of airflow (face velocity) through the hood
increases proportionally. Thus, higher face velocities can be obtained by lowering the
sash.

Using Chemical Fume Hoods

A fume hood is used to control exposure of the hood user and lab occupants to
hazardous or odorous chemicals and prevent their release into the laboratory. A
secondary purpose is to limit the effects of a spill by partially enclosing the work area
and drawing air into the enclosure by means of an exhaust fan. This inward flow of air
creates a dynamic barrier that minimizes the movement of material out of the hood and
into the lab.
In a well-designed, properly functioning fume hood, only about 0.0001% to 0.001% of
the material released into the air within the hood actually escapes from the hood and
enters the laboratory.

When is a Fume Hood Necessary?

The determination that a fume hood is necessary for a particular experiment should be
based on a hazard analysis of the planned work. Such an analysis should include:

A review of the physical characteristics, quantity and toxicity of the materials to

be used;

The experimental procedure;

The volatility of the materials present during the experiment;

The probability of their release;

The number and sophistication of manipulations; and

The skill and expertise of the individual performing the work.

Good Work Practices

The level of protection provided by a fume hood is affected by the manner in which the
fume hood is used. No fume hood, however well designed, can provide adequate
containment unless good laboratory practices are used, as follow:
1.

Adequate planning and preparation are key.The hood user should know
theStandard Operating Configuration (SOC) of the hood and should design
experiments so that the SOC can be maintained whenever hazardous materials might be
released. The SOC refers to the position of the sash. A schematic drawing of the SOC is
displayed on the front of each chemical fume hood.

2.

The hood user should also check the magnehelic gauge or other hood
performance indicator and compare its reading to the reading indicated on the hood
survey sticker. If the reading differs significantly (15% or more for a magnehelic gauge)
from that on the sticker, the hood may not be operating properly.
Items contaminated with odorous or hazardous materials should be removed from the
hood only after decontamination or if placed in a closed outer container to avoid
releasing contaminants into the laboratory air.
When using cylinders containing highly toxic or extremely odorous gases, obtain only
the minimal practical quantity. Consider using a flow-restricting orifice to limit the rate
of release in the event of equipment failure. In some circumstances, exhaust system
control devices or emission monitoring in the exhaust stack may be appropriate.

To optimize the performance of the fume hood, follow the practices listed
below:

Mark a line with tape 6 inches behind the sash and keep all chemicals and
equipment behind that line during experiments. This will help to keep materials from
escaping the hood when disturbances like air currents from people walking past the
hood, etc., interfere with airflow at the face of the hood.

Images from Kewaunee Fume Hoods

Bad placement of

Good placement of

Best placement of

materials.
materials.
materials.
Provide catch basins for containers that could break or spill, to minimize the
spread of spilled liquids.

Keep the sash completely lowered any time an experiment is in progress

and the hood is unattended. Note: Lowering the sash not only provides additional
personal protection, but it also results in significant energy conservation.

Never use a hood to control exposure to hazardous substances without

firstverifying that it is operating properly.

Visually inspect the baffles (openings at the top and rear of the hood) to be
sure that the slots are open and unobstructed. For optimum performance, adjust the
baffles when working with high temperature equipment and/or heavy gases or vapors.
See figure below for suggested baffle positions.

Images from Kewaunee Fume Hoods

Slot position for high temperature
Normal baffle

equipment, such as hot plates. Lower

Slot position for heavy

position - all slot is minimized since heated vapors gases and vapors. Upper

open.
tend to rise.
slot is minimized.
Do not block slots. If large equipment must be placed in the hood, put it on
blocks to raise it approximately 2 inches above the surface so that air may pass beneath
it. See figure below.

Images from Kewaunee Fume Hoods

Poor placement of large equipment

Good placement of large equipment
Place large or bulky equipment near the rear of the fume hood. Large
items near the face of the hood may cause excessive air turbulence and variations in face
velocity.

Do not use the hood as a storage device. Keep only the materials necessary
for the experiment inside of the hood. If chemicals must be stored in the hood for a
period of time, install shelves on the sides of the hood, away from the baffles. See Use
of Hood as a Storage Device for more information.
Keep the hood sash clean and clear.

Check area around the hood for sources of cross drafts, such as open
windows, supply air grilles, fans and doors. Cross drafts may cause turbulence that can
allow leaks from the hood into the lab.

Extend only hands and arms into the hood and avoid leaning against
it. If the hood user stands up against the face of the hood, air currents produced by
turbulent airflow may transport contaminants into the experimenter's breathing zone.

Clean all chemical residues from the hood chamber after each use.

All electrical devices should be connected outside the hood to avoid

electrical arcing that can ignite a flammable or reactive chemical.

DO NOT USE A HOOD FOR ANY FUNCTION FOR WHICH IT WAS

NOT INTENDED. Certain chemicals or reactions require specially constructed hoods.
Examples are perchloric acid or high pressure reactions. Most special use hoods are
labeled with the uses for which they are designed.

Common Misuses and Limitations

Used appropriately, a fume hood can be a very effective device for containment
hazardous materials, as well as providing some protection from splashes and minor
explosions. Even so, the average fume hood does have several limitations.

Particulates: A fume hood is not designed to contain high velocity releases of

particulate contaminants unless the sash is fully closed.

Pressurized systems: Gases or vapors escaping from pressurized systems may

move at sufficient velocity to escape from the fume hood.

Explosions: The hood is not capable of containing explosions, even when the
sash is fully closed. If an explosion hazard exists, the user should provide anchored
barriers, shields or enclosures of sufficient strength to deflect or contain it. Such barriers
can significantly affect the airflow in the hood.

Perchloric Acid: A conventional fume hood must not be used for perchloric
acid. Perchloric acid vapors can settle on ductwork, resulting in the deposition of
perchlorate crystals. Perchlorates can accumulate on surfaces and have been known to

detonate on contact, causing serious injury to researchers and maintenance personnel.

Specialized perchloric acid hoods, made of stainless steel and equipped with a
washdown system must be used for such work.

Air Foil Sills: Many fume hoods are equipped with flat or rounded sills or air
foils which direct the flow of air smoothly across the work surface. Sills should not be
removed or modified by the hood user. Objects should never be placed on these sills.
Materials released from containers placed on the sills may not be adequately captured.
In addition, an object on the sill may prevent the quick and complete closure of the sash
in an emergency.

Spill Containment Lips: Most modern fume hoods have recessed work
surfaces or spill containment lips to help contain minor liquid spills. In many cases,
these lips are several inches wide. Containers of liquids should not be placed on the
hood lip.

Horizontal Sliding Sashes: The hood user should never remove sliding
sashes.Horizontal sash hoods are designed and balanced with no more than half the
face open at any time. Removal of sashes may reduce the face velocity below acceptable
levels.

Tubing for Exhaust: Tubing is frequently used to channel exhaust to the hood
from equipment located some distance away. This is not an effective control method.

Connections to the Exhaust System: Occasionally, a researcher may need

local exhaust ventilation other than that provided by an existing fume hood. A new
device may not be connected to an existing fume hood without the explicit approval of
the department's facilities manager. Adding devices to even the simplest exhaust system
without adequate evaluation and adjustment will usually result in decreased
performance of the existing hood and/or inadequate performance of the additional
device.

Microorganisms: Work involving harmful microorganisms should be done in a

biosafety cabinet, rather than a chemical fume hood. See the Biosafety Manual (coming
soon) for more information.

Highly Hazardous Substances: A well designed fume hood will contain

0.999 - 0.9999% of the contaminants released within it when used properly. When
working with highly dangerous substances needing more containment than a fume hood
offers, consider using a glove box.

Pollution Control: An unfiltered fume hood is not a pollution control device.

All contaminants that are removed by the ventilating system are released directly into
the atmosphere. Apparatus used in hoods should be fitted with condensers, traps or
scrubbers to contain and collect waste solvents or toxic vapors or dusts.

Waste Disposal: A fume hood should not be used for waste disposal. It is a
violation of environmental regulations to intentionally send waste up the hood stack. As
described above, the hood is not a pollution control device.

The Fume Hood as a Storage Device

Fume hoods are designed specifically to provide ventilation for the protection of lab
occupants during chemical manipulations. The airflow they provide is greatly in excess
of that needed for storage of closed containers of even the most toxic of volatile
materials. Storing materials in this way is, therefore, a misuse of an expensive piece of
equipment.
In general, the storage of chemicals in fume hoods is strongly discouraged.
SeeFlammable Materials for more information about proper storage of flammable,
toxic, or odorous chemicals.
The realities of available space and equipment in some laboratories may make it difficult
or impossible to completely prohibit the use of hood workspaces for storage. In such a
case, the following general policy is recommended:
Hoods Actively in Use for Experimentation
Storage of materials should be minimized or eliminated altogether. Materials stored in
the hood can adversely affect the containment provided. In addition, the hood is
frequently the focus of the most hazardous activities conducted in the laboratory. The
presence of stored flammable or volatile, highly toxic materials can only
exacerbate the problems resulting from an explosion or fire in the hood. Even if they are
not directly involved in such an event, attempts to control or extinguish a fire may result
in the spilling of stored materials.
Hoods Not in Active Use
Materials requiring ventilated storage (e.g., volatile and highly toxic, or odorous
substances) may be stored in a hood if they are properly segregated and the hood is
posted to prohibit its use for experimental work.

Hood Performance Indicators

Most fume hoods at Baylor University are equipped with some type of continuous
airflow monitoring device, either in the form of a magnehelic gauge or a face velocity
monitor. Some are equipped with alarms.
Each hood also has a survey sticker with important information to help determine
whether the particular hood is functioning properly and is appropriate for the work to
be performed.

Continuous Monitoring Devices

Static Pressure Gauge (Magnehelic)
Some fume hoods on campus may be equipped with static pressure gauges that measure
the difference in static pressure across an orifice in the duct, or between the laboratory
and the fume hood exhaust duct. Most of the devices are aneroid pressure gauges, such
as magnehelics, that are mounted on the front of the hood above
the sash.
The gauge is a flow rate indicator with a scale that reads in units of
pressure, rather than velocity. Changes in the magnehelic reading
are not linearly proportional to changes in face velocity; therefore
it should only be used as an index of hood performance.
The magnehelic gauge reading at the time of the most recent hood survey is shown on
each fume hood evaluation sticker. A difference of 15% or more in the magnehelic
reading from that shown on the sticker is an indication that the flow rate in the duct,
and thus the face velocity, may have changed significantly since the last survey. If the
user notices such a change, or has any other reason to suspect that the hood is not
operating properly, contact EHS for a re-survey of the hood.
Face Velocity Monitors

Many of the newer hoods have constant face velocity measuring devices. An
LED readout of the face velocity is found on the device on the top corner of
the hood opening. The readout indicates the actual face velocity of the hood.

Hood Survey Sticker

Every chemical fume hood on campus should have a survey sticker affixed to the front of
the hood in a conspicuous location. The sticker contains basic information about hood
performance as of the most recent survey and should be consulted each time the hood is
used.
The Date is the date of the last hood survey. Hoods that have
not been surveyed within the past year should not be used until
tested by EHS.
The Hood Number is a unique identifier for the particular
hood. Refer to this number when discussing problems with a
particular hood.
The Average Velocity Reading (Avg Vel) is the reading of the magnehelic gauge or
other continuous monitoring device at the time of the survey.
If hood performance is judged to be unsuitable for use with hazardous chemicals, a
sticker with this information is placed on the hood instead of the survey sticker.

Do not use a hood that does not have a survey sticker. If a survey is needed, call EHS.

Evaluation and Maintenance Program

Hood Surveys
EHS surveys each fume hood annually. The face velocity of the fume hood is measured
with the sash in the Standard Operating Configuration (SOC). The inspection
sticker is positioned on the hood so the arrow is in the proper location for the maximum
safe sash position. The reading of the continuous monitoring device is recorded on the
hood sticker.
After each performance survey, a written report of the results is furnished to the
individual responsible for the hood (e.g., the Principal Investigator or laboratory
manager), the Chemical Hygiene Officer for the department, and the Facilities staff for
the laboratory building.

When Problems are Noted

There are several factors that can affect the performance of the hood, resulting in low
face velocity or turbulent airflow. These include mechanical problems or exhaust slots
blocked by large objects or excessive storage.
If a problem is found during the hood survey, a written notice will be provided on-site to
the laboratory or taped to the sash of the fume hood. If the problem requires the need
for work practice changes (e.g., blocked exhaust slots or excessive storage), the
laboratory worker should make the recommended changes and call EHS to have the
hood resurveyed.
If maintenance is necessary, the laboratory worker may initiate a work order through
their department to request maintenance. EHS does not initiate maintenance or ensure
that it is completed. Facilities will contact EHS when the work is complete to have the
hood resurveyed.
Requesting Maintenance
Providing maintenance for fume hoods is a function of the Facilities Department, and is
performed by Facilities personnel. Since the hood user is the person most aware of how
a hood is being used on a day to day basis, it is the responsibility of the hood user to
determine that maintenance is necessary and to request that it be performed.
If a hood user believes that the hood is not performing adequately, the following steps
should be taken:
1.

2.

An inadequate face velocity may result from obstructions to the airflow in the
hood. These may be caused by large quantities of equipment in the hood or by paper or
other material drawn into the exhaust slots. The user should first check for such
obstructions and remove or modify them.
The user may obtain initial maintenance through Facilities.

3.

The hood sash should be lowered until repairs are complete. Place a sign on the
hood reminding users not to use the hood.

4.

If maintenance efforts are not sufficient to correct the deficiency, engineering

changes may be necessary. When notified of such a situation, the user or a department
representative should request an evaluation of the problem by the Facility Services.

Other Laboratory Exhaust Systems

Many laboratories use equipment and apparatus that can generate airborne
contaminants, but cannot be used within a fume hood. Examples include gas
chromatographs, ovens, and vacuum pumps.
Other types of local exhaust ventilation systems may be required to control
contaminants generated by these operations. Such systems must not be installed
without explicit approval of the building facility manager and/or maintenance
personnel. See Common Misuses of a Fume Hood for more information.

Snorkel
A snorkel is a flexible duct or hose connected to an exhaust system. It can only capture
contaminants that are very close to the inlet of the hose, typically less than a distance
equal to one half of the diameter of the duct.
Snorkels can be effective for capturing discharges from gas
chromatographs, pipe nipples or the end of tubing. However, the
effectiveness of the elephant trunk should be carefully evaluated
before they are used to control releases of hazardous substances.

Canopy Hoods
A canopy hood in a laboratory is constructed in a similar fashion to the overhead canopy
hoods seen in kitchens. In order for the canopy hood to be able to capture contaminants,
the hood requires a relatively large volume of air movement, making them somewhat
costly to operate. The canopy hood works best when the thermal or buoyant forces exist
to move the contaminant up to the hood capture zone.
One of the biggest problems with canopy hoods is that, in most cases,
they are designed such that the contaminated air passes through the
individual's breathing zone. The airflow is easily disrupted by cross
currents of air.

For the most part, canopy hoods should only be used for exhaust of non-hazardous
substances.

Toxic Gas Cabinets

Highly toxic or odorous gases should be used and stored in gas cabinets.
In the event of a leak or rupture, a gas cabinet will prevent the gas from
contaminating the laboratory.
Gas cabinets should be connected to laboratory exhaust ventilation using
hard duct, rather than snorkels, since such tubing is more likely to develop
leaks.

Glove Box
There are two general types of glove boxes, one operating under negative pressure, the
other operating under positive pressure. Glove boxes consist of a small chamber with
sealed openings fitted with arm-length gloves. The materials are placed inside the
chamber and manipulated using the gloves.
A glove box operating under negative pressure is used
for highly toxic gases, when a fume hood might not
offer adequate protection. A rule of thumb is that a
fume hood will offer protection for up to 10,000 times
the immediately hazardous concentration of a
chemical. The airflow through the box is relatively low,
and the exhaust usually must be filtered or scrubbed before release into the exhaust
system.
A glove box operating under positive pressure may be used for experiments that require
protection from moisture or oxygen. If this type of glove box is to be used with
hazardous chemicals, the glove box must be tested for leaks before each use. A pressure
gauge should be installed to be able to check the integrity of the system.

Biosafety Cabinets

A conventional fume hood should not be used for work with viable biological agents. A
biosafety cabinet is specially designed and constructed to offer protection to both the
worker and the biological materials.
Similarly, a biosafety cabinet should generally not be used for work with hazardous
chemicals. Most biosafety cabinets exhaust the contaminated air through high efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filters back
into the laboratory.
This type of filter will not contain
most hazardous materials,
particularly gases, fumes or vapors.
Even when connected to the
building exhaust system, a ducted
biosafety cabinet may not achieve a face velocity of 95 - 125 feet per minute, making it
inappropriate for use with hazardous chemicals.

Ductless Fume Hoods

Use of a "ductless fume hood" is strongly discouraged. These devices work by using a fan
to draw air into a chamber, through one or more filters, and back into the laboratory.
EHS and several professional safety and engineering organizations do not recommend
the use of ductless fume hoods for several reasons. First, it is difficult to determine
whether the filters are functioning adequately or need to be changed; thus, the potential
for recirculating toxic materials into the laboratory is significant. In the event of a
chemical spill, the hood is usually not able to contain the spilled material or the
potentially high concentrations of chemical vapors.
Second, the face velocity of the hood is normally below 80 feet per minute. The hood is
normally designed such that the air does not flow smoothly and evenly through the
hood. Both of these characteristics make it likely for disruption of airflow or turbulence,
causing unfiltered air to leak into the laboratory.

Clean Benches
Clean benches are similar to appearance as a fume hood;
however, they do not exhaust air from the laboratory. A clean
bench is a device that draws air from the lab through a HEPA
filter and vents the filtered air downwards onto a work surface
to keep the materials within free from particulate
contamination. These devices are not to be used with hazardous
materials as they provide no personal protection. Do not store
materials on top of this hood as this will block the filter, overload the motor, and provide
poor product protection.

Standard Operating Conditions

The Standard Operating Configuration (SOC) is the position at which the hood sash
should be placed when the hood is actually in use as a containment device. Making such
an assumption is unavoidable when designing a fume hood exhaust system since this
determines the quantity of air the system must exhaust if an adequate face velocity is to
be maintained.
In order to obtain the recommended face velocity, many fume hoods have an SOC which
is less than a fully open sash. If a hood user does not use the hood with the sash at the
SOC position, it is possible for that user to create a situation in which an otherwise
properly operating hood has an insufficient face velocity. Some fume hoods are
equipped with sash stops and/or alarm devices to designate the Standard Operating
Configuration limit.
Each chemical fume hood at the University has an assigned Standard Operating
Configuration. Listed below are brief descriptions and the SOCs of several styles of
fume hoods commonly found at the University. Questions about the SOC of a specific
hood may be addressed to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Vertical Sash - A single vertical rising sash with a maximum face opening about 30
inches high. This style is sometimes modified as a distillation hood, in which case the

maximum face opening is greater. The SOC is a fully open sash, unless the hood is alarm
equipped. Then the SOC is the point just before the alarm is engaged.

SOC for Vertical and Double Vertical Sash (numbers are measuring points)
Double-Vertical Sash - Two vertical rising sashes side-by-side. The SOC is generally
both sashes fully open. A few older installations may have an SOC of one sash closed and
the other fully open.
Horizontal Sash - Two or more horizontal sliding sashes. The height of the face
opening is approximately 30 inches and the maximum opening width is 1/3 to of the
width of the hood. This style hood is rarely equipped with an air by-pass. It is sometimes
modified as a chromatography hood, in which case the height of the face opening is
greater. The SOC is the largest opening that can be obtained without removing any
sashes from their tracks.

SOC for Horizontal Sash (numbers are measurement points)

Combination Sash - A vertical rising sash in which two or more horizontal sliding
panels are mounted. The SOC is a fully raised sash with horizontal panels fully closed,

unless the hood is alarm equipped. Then the SOC is fully closed horizontal panels with
the vertical sash raised to just below the point at which the alarm is engaged. A few old
installations have an SOC of vertical sash down, horizontal panels open as much as
possible without removing them.
Walk-In Hood - a maximum face opening six feet or more high and extends to floor
level. At Baylor, this style is usually equipped with two vertical rising sashes mounted in
parallel tracks and each capable of closing half the face opening. The SOC is one half of
the face open.
California Hood - a free standing bench top enclosed on all sides by transparent
material for a height of four feet or more above the bench, and ventilated. Horizontal
sliding doors provide access from two opposite sides. The SOC is all doors closed.
Triple-Vertical Sash - three adjacent vertical-rising sashes, the center one of which is
18" wide, in an otherwise standard vertical sash hood. The SOC is center sash down and
sashes on both sides fully raised.

SOC for Triple Vertical Sash (numbers are measurements points)

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is special gear used to protect the wearer from
specific hazards of a hazardous substance. It is a last resort protection system, to be used
when substitution or engineering controls are not feasible. PPE does not reduce or
eliminate the hazard, protects only the wearer, and does not protect anyone else.

PPE includes gloves, respiratory protection, eye protection, and protective

clothing. The need for PPE is dependent upon the type of operations and the nature
and quantity of the materials in use, and must be assessed on a case by case basis.
Workers who rely on PPE must understand the functioning, proper use, and limitations
of the PPE used.

Eye Protection
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses look very much like normal glasses buy have lenses that are impact
resistant and frames that are far stronger than standard streetwear glasses. Safety
glasses with proper impact and shatter resistance will be marked "Z87" on the frame or
lens. Safety glasses must have side shields and should be worn whenever there is the

possibility of objects striking the eye, such as particles, glass, or metal shards. Many
potential eye injuries have been avoided by wearing safety glasses.
Standard streetwear eyeglasses fitted with side shields are not
sufficient. Workers who are interested in obtaining prescription
safety glasses should consult their department. Safety glasses
come in a variety of styles to provide the best fit and comfort,
including some designed to fit over prescription glasses.
Safety glasses do not provide adequate protection from significant
chemical splashes. They do not seal to the face, resulting in gaps at
the top, bottom and sides, where chemicals may seep through. Safety glasses may be
adequate when the potential splash is minimal, such as when opening eppendorf tubes.
Safety glasses are also not appropriate for dusts and powders, which can get by the
glasses in ways similar to those described above. Safety goggles are best used for this
type of potential exposure.
Chemical Splash Goggles
Chemical Splash Goggles should be worn when there is potential for splash from a
hazardous material. Like safety glasses, goggles are impact resistant. Chemical splash
goggles should have indirect ventilation so hazardous substances cannot drain into the
eye area. Some may be worn over prescription glasses.
Goggles come in a variety of styles for maximum comfort and splash
protection. Visorgogs are a hybrid of a goggle and safety glasses. They
offer more splash protection than safety glasses, but not as much as goggles. They fit
close to the face, but do not seal at the bottom as goggles do.
Face Shields
Face shields are in order when working with large volumes of hazardous
materials, either for protection from splash to the face or flying particles.
Face shields must be used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles.
Contact Lenses

Contact lenses may be worn in the laboratory, but do not offer any protection from
chemical contact. If a contact lens becomes contaminated with a hazardous chemical,
rinse the eye(s) using an eyewash and remove the lens immediately. Contact lenses that
have been contaminated with a chemical must be discarded.
This particular recommendation runs counter to what most of us were taught
previously. However, studies have shown that contact lenses are safe to wear in the
laboratory environment. For more information, see the American Optometric
Association guidelines.

Protective Clothing and Footwear

Protective Clothing
When the possibility of chemical contamination exists, protective clothing that resists
physical and chemical hazards should be worn over street clothes. Lab coats are
appropriate for minor chemical splashes and solids contamination, while plastic or
rubber aprons are best for protection from corrosive or irritating liquids. Disposable
outer garments (i.e., Tyvek suits) may be useful when cleaning and decontamination of
reusable clothing is difficult.
Loose clothing (such as overlarge lab coats or ties), skimpy clothing (such
as shorts), torn clothing and unrestrained hair may pose a hazard in the
laboratory.
Footwear
Closed-toed shoes should be worn at all times in buildings where chemicals are stored or
used. Perforated shoes, sandals or cloth sneakers should not be worn in laboratories or
where mechanical work is conducted. Such shoes offer no barrier between the
laboratory worker and chemicals or broken glass.
Chemical resistant overshoes or boots may be used to avoid possible exposure to
corrosive chemical or large quantities of solvents or water that might penetrate normal

footwear (e.g., during spill cleanup). Leather shoes tend to absorb chemicals and may
have to be discarded if contaminated with a hazardous material.
Although generally not required in most laboratories, steel-toed safety shoes may be
necessary when there is a risk of heavy objects falling or rolling onto the feet, such as in
bottle-washing operations or animal care facilities.

Gloves
Choosing the appropriate hand protection can be a challenge in a laboratory setting.
Considering the fact that dermatitis or inflammation of the skin accounts for 40-45% of
all work-related diseases, selecting the right glove for the job is important.
Not only can many chemicals cause skin irritation or burns, but also absorption through
the skin can be a significant route of exposure to certain chemicals. Dimethyl sulfoxide
(DMSO), nitrobenzene, and many solvents are examples of chemicals that can be readily
absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, where the chemical may cause harmful
effects.
When Should Gloves Be Worn
Protective gloves should be worn when handling hazardous materials, chemicals of
unknown toxicity, corrosive materials, rough or sharp-edged objects, and very hot or
very cold materials. When handling chemicals in a laboratory, disposable latex, vinyl or
nitrile examination gloves are usually appropriate for most circumstances. These gloves
will offer protection from incidental splashes or
contact.
When working with chemicals with high acute toxicity,
working with corrosives in high concentrations,
handling chemicals for extended periods of time or
immersing all or part of a hand into a chemical, the
appropriate glove material should be selected, based on chemical compatibility.
Selecting the Appropriate Glove Material

When selecting the appropriate glove, the following characteristics should be

considered:

degradation rating

breakthrough time

permeation rate
Degradation is the change in one or more of the physical properties of a glove caused by
contact with a chemical. Degradation typically appears as hardening, stiffening,
swelling, shrinking or cracking of the glove. Degradation ratings indicate how well a
glove will hold up when exposed to a chemical. When looking at a chemical
compatibility chart, degradation is usually reported as E (excellent), G (good), F (fair), P
(poor), NR (not recommended) or NT (not tested).
Breakthrough time is the elapsed time between the initial contact of the test chemical
on the surface of the glove and the analytical detection of the chemical on the inside of
the glove.
Permeation rate is the rate at which the test chemical passes through the glove material
once breakthrough has occurred and equilibrium is reached. Permeation involves
absorption of the chemical on the surface of the glove, diffusion through the glove, and
desorption of the chemical on the inside of the glove. Resistance to permeation rate is
usually reported as E (excellent), G (good), F (fair), P (poor) or NR (not recommended).
If chemical breakthrough does not occur, then permeation rate is not measured and is
reported ND (none detected).
Manufacturers stress that permeation and degradation tests are done under laboratory
test conditions, which can vary significantly from actual conditions in the work
environment. Users may opt to conduct their own tests, particularly when working with
highly toxic materials.
For mixtures, it is recommended that the glove material be selected based on the
shortest breakthrough time.
The following table includes major glove types and their general uses. This list is not
exhaustive.

Glove
Material
Butyl
Neoprene
Nitrile
PVC
PVA
Viton
Silver
Shield
Natural
rubber

General Uses
Offers the highest resistance to permeation by most gases and water vapor.
Especially suitable for use with esters and ketones.
Provides moderate abrasion resistance but good tensile strength and heat resistance.
Compatible with many acids, caustics and oils.
Excellent general duty glove. Provides protection from a wide variety of solvents,
oils, petroleum products and some corrosives. Excellent resistance to cuts, snags,
punctures and abrasions.
Provides excellent abrasion resistance and protection from most fats, acids, and
petroleum hydrocarbons.
Highly impermeable to gases. Excellent protection from aromatic and chlorinated
solvents. Cannot be used in water or water-based solutions.
Exceptional resistance to chlorinated and aromatic solvents. Good resistance to cuts
and abrasions.
Resists a wide variety of toxic and hazardous chemicals. Provides the highest level
of overall chemical resistance.
Provides flexibility and resistance to a wide variety of acids, caustics, salts,
detergents and alcohols.

Where to Find Compatibility Information

Most glove manufacturers have chemical compatibility charts available for their gloves.
These charts may be found in laboratory safety supply catalogs such as Fisher
Scientific,VWR, and Lab Safety Supply. Best Gloves offers copies of their glove
compatibility charts upon request. To obtain a copy, call them directly at 800-2410323. Best Glovesalso has a great deal of information available on their web site,
including a downloadable glove selection program.
Most material safety data sheets (MSDS) recommend the most protective glove
material in their Protective Equipment section. There are MSDSs for many laboratory
chemicals available on the web through the EHS home page.
Other Considerations
There are several factors besides glove material to consider when selecting the
appropriate glove. The amount of dexterity needed to perform a particular manipulation
must be weighed against the glove material recommended for maximum chemical
resistance. In some cases, particularly when working with delicate objects where fine
dexterity is crucial, a bulky glove may actually be more of a hazard.

Where fine dexterity is needed, consider double gloving with a less compatible material,
immediately removing and replacing the outer glove if there are any signs of
contamination. In some cases, such as when wearing Silver Shield gloves, it may be
possible to wear a tight-fitting glove over the loose glove to increase dexterity.
Glove thickness, usually measured in mils or gauge, is another consideration. A 10gauge glove is equivalent to 10 mils or 0.01 inches. Thinner, lighter gloves offer better
touch sensitivity and flexibility, but may provide shorter breakthrough times. Generally,
doubling the thickness of the glove quadruples the breakthrough time.
Glove length should be chosen based on the depth to which the arm will be immersed or
where chemical splash is likely. Gloves longer than 14 inches provide extra protection
against splash or immersion.
Glove size may also be important. One size does not fit all. Gloves which are too tight
tend to cause fatigue, while gloves which are too loose will have loose finger ends which
make work more difficult. The circumference of the hand, measured in inches, is
roughly equivalent to the reported glove size. Glove color, cuff design, and lining should
also be considered for some tasks.
Glove Inspection, Use and Care
All gloves should be inspected for signs of degradation or puncture before use. Test for
pinholes by blowing or trapping air inside and rolling them out. Do not fill them with
water, as this makes the gloves uncomfortable and may make it more difficult to detect a
leak when wearing the glove.
Disposable gloves should be changed when there is any sign of contamination. Reusable
gloves should be washed frequently if used for an extended period of time.
While wearing gloves, be careful not to handle anything but the materials involved in the
procedure. Touching equipment, phones, wastebaskets or other surfaces may cause
contamination. Be aware of touching the face, hair, and clothing as well.
Before removing them, wash the outside of the glove. To avoid accidental skin exposure,
remove the first glove by grasping the cuff and peeling the glove off the hand so that the

glove is inside out. Repeat this process with the second hand, touching the inside of the
glove cuff, rather than the outside. Wash hands immediately with soap and water.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and caring for reusable gloves.

Proper Glove Removal

Gloves should be removed avoiding skin contact with the exterior of the glove and
possible contamination. Disposable gloves should be removed as follows:

Grasp the exterior of one glove with your other gloved hand.
Carefully pull the glove off your hand, turning it inside-out. The contamination is
now on the inside.
Ball the glove up and hold in your other gloved hand.

Slide your ungloved finger into the opening of the other glove. Avoid touching the
exterior.

Carefully pull the glove off your hand, turning it inside out again. All
contamination is contained.

Discard appropriately.

Latex Gloves and Related Allergies

Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have been increasing since 1987, when
theCenters for Disease Control recommended the use of universal precautions to

protect against potentially infectious materials, bloodborne pathogens and HIV.

Increased glove demand also resulted in higher levels of allergens due to changes in the
manufacturing process. In addition to skin contact with the latex allergens, inhalation is
another potential route of exposure. Latex proteins may be released into the air along
with the powders used to lubricate the interior of the glove.
In June, 1997, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) issued an alert Preventing Allergic Reactions to Latex in the
Workplace (publication number DHHS (NIOSH) 97-135).
Latex exposure symptoms include skin rash and inflammation, respiratory irritation,
asthma and shock. The amount of exposure needed to sensitize an individual to natural
rubber latex is not known, but when exposures are reduced, sensitization decreases.
NIOSH recommends the following actions to reduce exposure to latex:

Whenever possible, substitute another glove material.

If latex gloves must be used, choose reduced-protein, powder-free latex gloves.

Wash hands with mild soap and water after removing latex gloves.

Hearing Protection
Most laboratory equipment and operations do not produce noise levels that require the
use of hearing protection, with the exception of some wind tunnels, as described below.
Baylor University has a Hearing Conservation Program in place for individuals
who are exposed to noise levels equal to or exceeding the OSHA action level of 85
decibels (dBA) averaged over eight hours, per the OSHA Occupational Noise
Standard. This program includes workplace monitoring, personal exposure
monitoring, annual audiometric testing, use of hearing protection and annual training.
Laboratory workers who would like to use hearing protection for noise levels below the
action level may do so without enrollment in the Hearing Conservation Program. Using
hearing protection, such as earplugs, earmuffs or hearing bands, can improve
communication or provide comfort to the worker in a noisy environment.

The most common noisy equipment in the laboratories are ultrasonicators. EHS has
measured noise levels of several ultrasonicators used in the laboratories and found that
noise levels were well below 85 dBA, averaged over eight hours.

Respiratory Protection
A respirator may only be used when engineering controls, such as general
ventilation or a fume hood, are not feasible or do not reduce the exposure
of a chemical to acceptable levels. Since the use of a respirator is regulated
by the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, respirator use at Baylor is
subject to prior review by EHS, according to
university policy.
Any worker who believes that respiratory protection is
needed must notify EHS for evaluation of the hazard and
enrollment in the Respiratory Protection Program. This
program involves procedures for respirator selection, medical assessment of employee
health, employee training, proper fitting, respirator inspection and maintenance, and
recordkeeping.
Use of a paper or cloth dust mask (left-most in above picture) is allowed without
enrolling in the Respiratory Protection Program. However, if you believe you need
to upgrade to a tight-fitting respirator, you must contact EHS prior. Tight fitting
respirators are typically made of silicone or rubber and have filter cartridges or supplied
air for breathing.
For more information, see Section C4, Respiratory Protection, in the Baylor
University Health and Safety Guide.