Lab Fume Hoods

Laboratory Exhaust Fume Hoods

What are lab fume hoods?

Lab fume hoods are ventilated enclosures designed to protect laboratory workers from exposure to hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust. These hoods create a controlled airflow that draws contaminants away from the user and into an exhaust system, ensuring a safe environment for handling chemicals and performing experiments.

What is the OSHA laboratory standard for fume hoods?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that fume hoods in laboratory settings maintain an airflow velocity of at least 80-120 linear feet per minute (fpm). This ensures effective containment of hazardous substances. Regular testing and certification are required to maintain compliance with OSHA standards, which Laboratory Equipment Company can assist with when selecting and maintaining lab equipment

What is the difference between a laboratory fume hood and a biosafety cabinet?

The primary difference is their purpose. A laboratory fume hood is used to vent harmful chemical fumes, vapors, or particles outside the lab, protecting personnel from inhalation hazards. In contrast, a biosafety cabinet is designed to provide a sterile work environment, preventing contamination of biological samples and protecting both the operator and the environment from pathogens. Fume hoods are typically used in chemistry labs, while biosafety cabinets are used in biological or microbiological labs

What are the different types of fume hoods?

There are several types of fume hoods, including:

• Constant Air Volume (CAV) Hoods: Maintain a constant airflow regardless of sash position.

• Variable Air Volume (VAV) Hoods: Adjust airflow based on the sash position, making them more energy-efficient.

• Ductless Fume Hoods: These use filters instead of venting air outside and are ideal for environments where external venting is not feasible

What are ductless laboratory fume hoods used for?

Ductless fume hoods are used in situations where traditional venting is not practical or possible. They use a filtration system to purify the air before recirculating it back into the lab. These hoods are ideal for labs handling non-volatile or low-level chemicals, and they offer the advantage of easy installation without the need for external ductwork.